John Rich ---

Big & Rich Star Retracts Offensive Gay Marriage Comments

Big & Rich star John Rich has apologized for his recent controversial comments on gay marriage, insisting his views were not properly clarified.

The country singer caused controversy earlier this month when he dismissed same-sex unions as pretty unsavory.

In an interview with The Tennessean, he said: I think if you legalize that (gay marriage), you've got to legalize some other things that are pretty unsavory.

You can call me a radical, but how can you tell an aunt that she can't marry her nephew if they are really in love and sharing the bills? How can you tell them they can't get married, but something else that's unnatural can happen?

But Rich has now retracted his offensive remarks in a newly-released statement, in which he blames his Christian upbringing as the reason for his earlier outburst.

He says, My earlier comments on same-sex marriage don't reflect my full views on the broader issues regarding tolerance and the treatment of gays and lesbians in our society. I apologize for that and wish to state clearly my views.

I oppose same-sex marriage because my father and minister brought me up to believe that marriage is an institution for the union of a man and a woman. However, I also believe that intolerance, bigotry and hatred are wrong.

People should be judged based on their merits, not on their sexual orientation. We are all children of God and should be valued and respected.

Jay Leno and the power of the G-Man

Jay Leno Changes Schedule To Accommodate Garth Brooks

For the first time in 18 years, NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno will record early on Monday, November 5, to accommodate Garth Brooks' Kansas City concert that night. According to Country Aircheck, Garth was scheduled to appear on the show but on the same night will kick off the first of nine sold-out concerts at Kansas City's Sprint Center.

Garth, who accidentally double-booked the date, explains, Jay Leno has launched every album for us the night before release. So I called and apologized. They called me back and moved the [5 p.m.] taping up.

Garth will tape his appearance at 1 p.m. in Los Angeles, then jet to Kansas City to perform, while millions at home watch him on TV. It's gonna be tight, but it's gonna be fun, he says.

The next day, November 6, Garth's The Ultimate Hits collection will hit stores nationwide. The day after that, we're all having Fruity Pebbles for breakfast... hey, you can't stop a tradition!

Carrie Underwood is a good girlfriend

Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford She’s a classy girl, he told US Magazine at the 2007 Angel Ball in NYC October 29. Us exclusively reported Crawford, 22, and Underwood, 24, have been dating since July. He first introduced himself to her at West Hollywood’s Hyde in May.

They have gotten even cozier recently in the Big Apple as he shoots his new CW hit show and she promotes her new album, Carnival Ride, dining à deux at NYC’s Nobu and sipping champagne and smooching at NYC club Marquee.

Chace and Carrie are in love, an Underwood source tells Us. They are both working all the time right now, but together whenever they can be.

No word if they’ll spend Thanksgiving together — although, if they do, it could be somewhat awkward. Crawford tells Us his plans are going back to Dallas to see the family. A lot of eating. Maybe the Cowboys football game. (Underwood famously dated Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.)

Hmm... Wonder if they'll go trick or treating together tonight... that REALLY means romance... once you share a bite sized Milky Way with someone... it's love.

No Charges for Kid Rock in VMA Brawl

Tommy Lee wanted battery charges against Rock dropped.


Rapper/rocker Kid Rock no longer faces charges in connection with his Las Vegas brawl with rival Tommy Lee last month, Extra reports.

Rock and Lee -- both of whom married and divorced actress Pamela Anderson -- scuffled at the MTV Video Music Awards show in September.

Security escorted Lee out of the event, while Las Vegas police cited Rock for misdemeanor battery.

But a representative from the Clark County District Attorney's Office told Extra prosecutors won't pursue charges against Rock, noting Lee requested the matter be dropped.

Hmm... they really don't make Hallmark cards for guys like this do they...

Roses are red, and your nose was black and blue --
You stole my wife, and now someone else has too --
Isn't this a cute picture of a kitten in a flower bed?

Love, Kid Rock

Lonestar's Dean Sams Builds His Dream Home On GAC

Dean Sams, Lonestar’s keyboardist, background vocalist, and group founder, takes fans behind the scenes of his latest and most challenging project yet: building his dream home from the ground up.

Great American Country’s premiere of Celebrity Dream House is Friday (11/2) at 9:30 p.m. FARGO TIME) follows Sams’ efforts to construct a suitable living space for his family despite rain, snow and sometimes, flaring tempers.


“Anyone associated with the music business knows the people who really suffer from a musician’s life are the family members left at home while daddy goes off to play star, often for weeks at a time,” said Sams. “This patch of land just south of Nashville is my gift to my family, a place we can truly call home. That is, if we can actually build a home.”


Sams initially took on the role of contractor to become more involved in the building process. However, he soon finds himself in over his head when he encounters the cliché and reality of the saying, “everything that could go wrong, does.”


Ultimately with perseverance,-and a little inspiration, and a helping hand from his wife, Kim, Sams makes his dream house a reality.

Gretchen Wilson Speaks Out About Airplane Disturbance

The singer admits swearing at a flight attendant on a recent flight to LA from Nashville.

Country music star Gretchen Wilson has defended herself against accusations she was verbally abusive to a flight attendant on a recent flight to Los Angeles from Nashville, Tennessee.

The singer, 34, admits swearing at a member of the staff, but claims she had had enough of being constantly asked to keep her dog in its carrier case.

Wilson says, I took about three and a half hours of being badgered and I finally said a cuss word, and I said it loud.

It all started over keeping my dog under the seat, and there were other dogs on the plane that weren't forced to stay in their kennel but I was being forced to keep my dog in mine.

I took about as much as I could take and then I finally cussed her. That's country music!

Josh goes Opry

Josh Turner was inducted into the world-famous Grand Ole Opry Saturday evening by Opry superstar Vince Gill.

After Turner performed his current hit “Firecracker” and his breakthrough smash “Long Black Train,” Gill made Opry membership official, saying, “We are so proud of your success. Congratulations.” Turner responded, “Thank you Grand Ole Opry… Country music has always been a huge part of my life. I have always been willing and able to fight for it and that’s what I want to continue to do— and just continue to make great music for all these great country fans out here. Thank y’all.”

Turner as one of the fastest-rising stars in Country music today. His distinctive voice paired with his inspired songwriting make him one of Nashville’s most notable traditionalists. The singer’s latest album, Everything Is Fine, hits stores on October 30th and is powered by the fastest-rising single of his career, the self-penned “Firecracker.” The new Opry member is on the road in select cities this fall with Sara Evans.

Kid Rock -- What he's got to say for himself

Kid Rock isn't one to back down from a fight, but says he doesn't go looking for trouble.

Last thing I want is to have a reputation. I believe in standing up for things I believe in, the 36-year-old rock-rapper told Ellen DeGeneres on her syndicated talk show Thursday. Being honest sometimes gets me in a little bit of trouble.

Kid Rock — who quarreled with Tommy Lee at MTV's Video Music Awards last month — was arrested early Sunday after a brawl at a Waffle House restaurant in Atlanta.

It started with me celebrating a great show that night. We were hungry. It was late at night, he told DeGeneres.

I know the people work hard at Waffle House so I tipped people behind the counter and gave $300 to split up. Bought everyone breakfast in there, he said. We had a good time. This one kid just started talking. ... And then one thing led to another, windows were breaking, cussing and fussing ... the mud, the blood and the beer.

Kid Rock explained: He said, `I hope you get mad, I'll sue the hell out of you.' I'm like, `Take a number.'

Brooks and Dunn -- Still Kids

Brooks & Dunn have put in some serious years in country music and have fans ranging in age from 8 to 80, but Kix Brooks says he and partner Ronnie Dunn still feel like kids.

"I still feel like I'm 20 and I still chase new music," Kix says. "Ronnie does too. You know, we get on iTunes — it's like, what's in the Top 10 on the pop charts, what are they doing. It doesn't mean I like it all, but I'm into what's coming out, what's new, what's cutting edge, what's fun, what's creative. I don't think that's defined by age and hopefully our music."

Kix jokes that he and Kix will never be as cool as Willie Nelson, but they hope to age as well. "Honestly when I decided that I just wanted to play music and that's all I cared about doing forever, it was chasing Willie Nelson concerts and Jerry Jeff Walker and those guys. Willie, I have no idea how old he was, he looked like he was the same age that he is now. You know, he's always had that look."

Brad Paisley On Cover Of Guitar Player Magazine

Brad Paisley is a Tele-toting connoisseur of boutique amps, and a blazing picker who’s pushing the boundaries of twangy guitar... leads the Guitar Player 13 page cover feature on Paisley, written by Andy Ellis. Ellis spent some time with Paisley on the road and at home – honing in on the self-proclaimed gear (all 5 of em!) freak, his style of playing and how he gets the sound he wants.

According to Guitar Player Managing Editor, Kevin Owens – Paisley’s cover is the first country artist in over 10 years, the last being Junior Brown in March 1997.


Guitar Player – December issue will be on stands next Tuesday.

Blake Shelton is NOT Craig Morgan

In Blake Shelton's most recent YouTube video, he gets an emergency haircut after a fan mistakes him for his buddy, Craig Morgan.

In the clip, Blake jokes, My hair looks so crappy people think that I'm Craig Morgan. So just because of that, we're getting a haircut today because I do not wanna be confused with that freak of nature." He then instructs the barber, "Give me something like a Josh Turner or a Kenny Chesney. Give me a more successful look than Craig Morgan.

Tim & Faith -- Offstage

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have made quite a mark in country music over the last 10 years and will undoubtedly hold a prominent place in country music history, but that's not always so clear to them.

As Tim tells Dial-Global, life for the McGraws is not all the glamour and glitz that those on the outside may think. Everybody else sees it from the outside looking just at us on stage and what we do, he says. We see everything from a different perspective because to us, most of our days and most of our time consists of getting up and taking kids to school and going to Girl Scout meetings and basketball practice. Then we get to do our great job when the time is to do it. So to us, we look at it as a perspective from how we are as just people getting along everyday and doing what we need to do.

Tim's latest single, If You're Reading This, is in the Top 3 on the country charts this week

Well, it ain't the rose parade...

Brentwood HS Marching Band Joins Brad Paisley On CMA Awards ---

Brad Paisley is on tap to perform his most recent Number One single, Online, at the upcoming CMA Awards, and he’s bringing a few friends, as members of Tennessee’s Brentwood High School marching band join the live performance. The band was also used on the recorded version of the song included on Paisley’s Album of the Year nominee, 5th Gear. Paisley is also nominated for Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Single of the Year (Ticks) and Music Video (Online) – for a total of five nominations, tying with George Strait as most nominated.

I’m really honored to give the band a chance to play on national TV. They did a great job on the record and I know they will do a great job at the Awards, says Paisley.

The 41st Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7:00pm on ABC

The CMAs -- Kind of a big deal

Alison Krauss, Jason Aldean and Kellie Pickler have been added to the list of performers at the 41st annual CMA Awards show on Nov. 7. Aldean and Pickler are each nominated for this year's Horizon Award. Additionally, Sheryl Crow, Blake Shelton and Gretchen Wilson have been added to the list of artists presenting awards during the ABC telecast from the Sommet Center in downtown Nashville. As previously announced, Sara Evans and LeAnn Rimes will host segments during the show, and CMA officials say additional segment hosts will be announced soon.

Still no word on if they will have cake or not...

Keith Urban has 18 KIDS!... uh...

Keith Urban Releases '18 Kids' Greatest Hits CD & DVD Package

Grammy Award winning country artist and three-time 2008 CMA nominee Keith Urban, will release Keith Urban Greatest Hits: 18 Kids on November 20th.
The CD features two newly recorded tracks, a remake of Steve Forbert’s 1979 hit, “Romeo’s Tune,” and a new full band recording of “Got It Right This Time (The Celebration),” as well as all of his #1s: his first, “But For The Grace Of God,” “Somebody Like You,” “Days Go By,” “You’ll Think Of Me,” “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” and more.


Urban explains, “These songs are like my children. That’s what prompted the “18 Kids” subtitle.”

Garth Brooks totally has a crush on... his wife

Garth Brooks is head over heels in love with his wife, Trisha Yearwood. While he constantly raves about her talent as a singer, he recently got a little more personal, revealing what he loves most about his marriage.

"The best part of being with Ms. Yearwood is finding out that what you dreamed she would be, she surpasses every day," he tells Dial-Global. "She is a dream, she's a doll, an amazing cook. She loves our three girls and they love her. And she gets along great with Sandy [his ex-wife]. She gets along with Sandy's parents. Everybody gets along great with everybody and for me, that's gotta be my biggest thank you. In order to make this whole crazy thing work, her and Sandy had to haul the brunt of the load, and both of them are doing an amazing job."

The couple will take to the stage together next month for Garth's nine sold-out shows at Kansas City's Sprint Center. --- AAAAAND, you can catch it simulcast here in Fargo @ the Century 10 November 14th & 15th!!!!

Reba Duets Goes Awesome... uh, Platinum

Just 1 month after its release, Reba Duets has been certified platinum by the RIAA. for sales of over one million copies, bringing Reba's career total sales to more than 50 million albums worldwide.

"I'm so excited over the wonderful acceptance of this CD," Reba says. "I've always been a huge fan of all the artists on the album so I'm not surprised to see how many people agree with me!"

Reba's duet with pop star Justin Timberlake, "The Only Promise That Remains," is scheduled to be the second single released from the CD. Reba will perform another track from the album, "When You Love Someone Like That," with LeAnn Rimes at the 41st Annual CMA Awards, which will be broadcast November 7 on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. She is up for two CMAs this year: one in the Musical Event of the Year category for "Because of You," her collaboration with Kelly Clarkson, and one for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Holla at yo girl!

Taylor Swift Partners To Promote Teen Driving Safety --

Keep the Drive – a teen-led smart driving movement funded by The Allstate Foundation – invites teens to participate in “Holiday Holla,” a contest that challenges teens to rewrite and perform traditional holiday carols with new, catchy lyrics about smart driving. Participants will raise awareness about teen deaths associated with car crashes in the first online “carol-aoke” contest of its kind. Teens also will have the opportunity to win $15,000 and meet and perform their song in front of platinum-selling country artist Taylor Swift.

By rewriting songs such as “I Have a Little Dreidel” (possible new version: “I Have a Lovely Sable”) or “Deck the Halls” (possible new version: “Deck the Streets”), teens will “holla” about driving smart this holiday season. “This contest is a fun and creative way to make teens and their parents aware of how dangerous the holiday season is for teen drivers," Taylor says, who will help select the final winners during an event at the Mall of America on Dec. 8, 2007. “Holiday Holla combines humor, music and witty-but-meaningful lyrics as a unique and effective way to encourage teens to step into the driver’s seat and positively influence their peers.”

Entries are accepted through Oct. 31, 2007. Online voting for the top videos will take place Nov. 2 through Nov. 25, 2007. Members from the five teams whose videos get the most votes will win an expenses-paid trip to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., to participate in a finalist event on Dec. 8, 2007. - Holiday Holla!

Letter From Big Kenny In Sudan

Here's letter from Big Kenny Alphin of Big & Rich. He and his wife are in the Sudan taking food and supplies to the people there. Big Kenny donated his royalties from "Last Dollar (Fly Away)", which he wrote for Tim McGraw.

Here's his letter:
“The past 24 hours in the village of Akon have been the most incredible of my life. We were greeted on the runway by over 500 singing children and community members and leaders. David (Physician and friend David Marks is coordinating medical supply aid with Dr Luka Deng on the ground in Sudan) met with over 75 patients today and the line will be longer tomorrow as word spreads. From the school under trees, the clinic with not more than a roof and a table, to a public meeting where they all sang and expressed there appreciation of our visit and urgent needs, this trip has already surpassed my expectations.

Some thirty of the patients seen today had malaria. Most of them had to wade across rivers to come to school. Some walk three hours each way to get here. I’ve never in my life seen a more impoverished situation nor have I ever met more genuinely happy and appreciative people. They have fought for over 20 years for their basic freedoms, now they have to fight for their lives, the basic necessities of food, water, education and healthcare. Their main concern is to save their children. The aid we were able to bring will no doubt save lives.


We were able to arrive with all 20 crates of aid we brought from the US in addition to picking up a couple hundred survival kits from CSI for returning refugees. The trip has no doubt encouraged us all to take responsibility to help and improve humankind. A world with out prejudice!! Love will lead the way!"

Kid Rock Likes To Punch People

Kid Rock and five members of his entourage are free on $1,000 bond each after being charged with simple battery following a Sunday morning (Oct. 21) fight at a Waffle House restaurant in Atlanta. Kid Rock had completed a sold-out show at the Tabernacle, an Atlanta concert venue, on Saturday night when his bus stopped at the restaurant around 5 a.m.

Sunday. According to police, the altercation began after one of the restaurant's customers, 39-year-old Harlen DeJon Akins, recognized a woman in Kid Rock's entourage and exchanged words with her. A fight began inside the restaurant and escalated when it moved to the parking lot. Kid Rock and his crew left the scene on their tour bus which was stopped by police a short distance from the restaurant. Rock and his five companions were arrested on misdemeanor charges. Police said Akins faces a felony charge of criminal damage to property for allegedly breaking one of the restaurant's windows when he punched it during the fight. It was designated a felony because the window was valued at more than $500.

Next, guys in whoopie cushion costumes.

Jack Ingram To Host CMA Red Carpet Arrivals Pre-Show

He (1)LOVEs you, and your (1)mother-lovin' (2)lips of an angel...

(1) LOVE YOU - Jack Ingram
(2) LIPS OF AN ANGEL - Jack Ingram

We cite our sources for our randomness.


Jack Ingram will host Premiere Radio Networks’ CMA Red Carpet Arrivals Pre-Show for the second consecutive year, and the rising star is looking forward to it: “Last year, it was a reunion of sorts, seeing artists I’ve known for a long time and meeting people for the first time that I am a huge fan of,” recalls Jack. “Last year, for instance, I met Kris Kristofferson for the first time and that was a thrill. And I also met Brad Paisley on the carpet for the first time and we struck up a conversation and next thing I know, we were out on tour with him! It was a whole lot of fun and I’m looking forward to seeing my friends and meeting new ones again this year.”

In addition to the pre-show, Jack will co-host Premiere Radio’s CMA Awards Post Show special with Larry Morgan.

Carrie -- all country

Carrie Underwood tells Entertainment Weekly that she intentionally made her new album, Carnival Ride, set for release tomorrow, more country than her first album.

"The first one definitely had a different purpose to serve," she says. "I'd gained a big following from "Idol"' of people who were not all country music listeners. I want to be a country artist in a country world with country fans. We had to figure out a way, even if they're not country music fans, to make them country music fans."

Carrie says she's aware that some people consider her more of a crossover artist than a true country singer, but she's adamant that country is where she belongs. "Okay, here's my thing: On Top 40 stations, nobody cares that you'll have Fergie next to 50 Cent. They're different. Why can't you have me next to somebody that's more traditional country? You can call me 'not country' until your face is blue, but I sing country music."

Carrie says she's learning not to take other people's opinions personally. "I've learned this, that haters wanna hate. You could sing a song perfectly, you could write the songs perfectly, and some people are absolutely going to hate you."

Big Kenny helps out -- BIG

Big Kenny Alphin of Big & Rich and his wife, Christiev, left Nashville for Akon, Sudan, last Thursday to take medical and school supplies, musical instruments, clothing and building tools to the Kunyuk School for Girls.

The school has held a deep place in their hearts over the last year. They originally donated money to the school at Kenny's No. 1 party for the song "Last Dollar," which was recorded by Tim McGraw. At the time there were 250 girls enrolled at the school and their classroom consisted of a chalkboard nailed into a Baobab tree. Enrollment at the school has since increased to 1000.

"When I first learned of the school it was through Reverend and physician, Gloria White Hammond, of Boston," Kenny says. "Today there are over one thousand girls at the school as the horrific conflicts continue in the north and Darfur, leaving most of these children orphaned."

At his own expense, Kenny chartered a cargo plane to take the 25 crates of supplies to the area. In addition, he will be performing for the children with friend and fellow musician Damien Horne.

"Whether they are abused across the street or across an ocean, all people deserve freedom and basic human rights," he says. "I would spend every nickel I could get my hands on to help these people. It is the worst humanitarian crisis on our earth and it is time we did something to stop it."

Jessica Simpson... in Nashville!

Jessica Simpson not only intends to launch a country career, but she also plans to move to Nashville.

Jessica's Dukes of Hazzard co-star Willie Nelson is going to help her make her first country album, and Jessica is currently in town meeting artists, like John Rich and Vince Gill, as well as Music Row execs, including Sony BMG honchos, and songwriters Aimee Mayo ("Amazed") and Hillary Lindsey ("Jesus, Take the Wheel")

Word is that Creative Artists Agency agent-to-the-stars Rod Essig — who handles Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Reba McEntire among others — has been Jessica's guide around town. No word on a label, a producer or a release date.

At new tequila-bar hotspot Agave this week, Jessica's tablemates included Kellie Pickler, John Rich, her dad/manager Joe Simpson and Hank Williams, Jr.'s daughters Hilary and Holly Williams

Keith Surprises Ellen’s Audience

Early reports suggest that there wasn't any cake.

Keith Urban stepped in and delivered an impromptu concert to the studio audience of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, after the popular host cancelled the taping of two shows in Los Angeles, Oct. 18.

Keith was on his way to the television studio when he heard about the cancellations, which were believed to have resulted from the controversy surrounding a dog that DeGeneres had adopted. He performed his current hit “Everybody” for a segment that will air on Ellen’s show Monday, Oct. 22, and “Once in a Lifetime,” expected to air around Nov. 20. According to Nashville’s daily newspaper The Tennessean, Keith wished Ellen well and noted, “We all love her, and God bless her.”

GARTH IN FARGO

Yeah, you read that right... GARTH IN FARGO... uh... sort of.

Remember that concert November 14th; that will be simulcast into 300 movie theaters world-wide.... one of those theaters...

THE CENTURY 10 IN FARGO. THE CENTURY 10 IN FARGO. THE CENTURY 10 IN FARGO. THE CENTURY 10 IN FARGO. THE CENTURY 10 IN FARGO. THE CENTURY 10 IN FARGO.

Tickets are $10 and go on sale FRIDAY OCTOBER 19th!!!Let the riots begin.

Kellie Pickler... and the... wait for it... VIKINGS

Kellie Pickler will sing the national anthem on Sunday (Oct. 21) in Dallas as the Minnesota Vikings play the Cowboys in a game to be televised by the Fox network. Her performance follows a three-night tour with Rascal Flatts that begins Thursday (Oct. 18) in Birmingham, Ala., with dates Friday (Oct. 19) in Atlanta and Saturday (Oct. 20) in Greenville, S.C. Jason Aldean returns to the Rascal Flatts tour at the Oct. 25 show in Kansas City. Pickler sold out a Tuesday night (Oct. 16) concert at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh.

CARRIE AND HER NEW MAN

Spotted looking cozy in NYC: Gossip Girl’s Chace Crawford and country star Carrie Underwood, who dined à deux at Nobu, then hit hot spot Marquee to sip champagne and smooch in a secluded booth. “They were all over each other,” an eyewitness tells Us.

The next night, they held hands during a double date with Crawford’s costar Ed Westwick at Italian eatery Del Posto.

Are C and C seeing each other? A friend of the hot new couple tells Us they have been keeping their romance under the radar since July!

They met in May, says the source, when Crawford, 22, introduced himself to the 24-year-old singer (her album Carnival Ride drops October 23) at West Hollywood's Hyde.

After she and Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo split in July, things turned serious: text messages and dates in L.A. and Nashville. “He is a country fan, and she thinks he is so funny and sweet,” says the source. “It’s total love.”

Jamie Foxx Joins Rascal Flatts For Performance On 41st Annual CMA Awards

Multi-talented, Academy Award winning actor Jamie Foxx joins reigning CMA Awards Vocal Group of the Year Rascal Flatts for a duet performance during "The 41st Annual CMA Awards" Wednesday, Nov. 7; live from the Sommet Center in Nashville on the ABC Television Network.

Rascal Flatts, who are nominated for Entertainer of the Year, will open "Country Music's Biggest NightT" with the title track from their third consecutive No. 1 album, Still Feels Good. Later in the broadcast, they will perform "She Goes All the Way" with Foxx. The duet with Foxx was penned by Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney and is also on the album.

LeVox and Foxx have known each other for more than a decade. They were introduced by Foxx's manager Marcus King and were roommates for a brief time in the late 1990s while LeVox was pursuing a music career on the west coast. They reestablished their friendship after running into each other at the 2007 Grammy Awards and have been in regular contact since, which resulted in the duet.

"Jamie is an incredible talent and we were thrilled he took us up on our invitation to join us on the song," said LeVox. "He said he'd do it if we would sing on one of his records, so it's a pretty good swap. He came to Nashville just after finishing his comedy tour to work on it with us."

Danielle Peck Sings National Anthem Thursday On Fox

When the Cleveland Indians face off against the Boston Red Sox in Cleveland Thursday night (10/18), Danielle Peck will be singing our National Anthem. Game time is 7p on Fox.

The winner of this championship series earns the right to fact the Colorado Rockies in the World Series beginning next Wednesday.

There will be peanuts as well as cracker jacks.

GARTH -- Big Screen Update

Garth Brooks’ Nov. 14 concert in Kansas City, Mo., will be simulcast to more than 300 movie theaters nationwide in association with National CineMedia’s Fathom Events.

The concert will be rebroadcast the following day, Nov. 15. “It’s things like this that make me praise technology,” Garth tells yahoo.com. “The gift that participating theaters are giving me is to be able to go on a virtual tour without leaving home. How does it get any better than that?” Tickets for both show times will be priced at $10 each, and fans will be able to purchase up to 10 tickets per person at fathomevents.com and garthbrooks.com. But there’s not much time to wait—tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 19, at noon in each local time zone. For theater locations and information, go to fathomevents.com -- STILL NO WORD ON WHAT THEATERS WILL PARTICIPATE!!!

22 MORE Hits

George Strait has scheduled a Nov. 13 release date for a new compilation, 22 More Hits, containing several of his signature songs. His previous collection, the multi-platinum 50 Number Ones, was released in 2004. "I've had people ask me why this song or that song wasn't on the Number Ones album," Strait said. "If it's their favorite song, I guess they don't care if it was No. 1 on a chart. This album gave me the chance to include some of the fans other favorites and mine." The CD's track list includes "Unwound," "If You're Thinking You Want a Stranger (There's One Coming Home)," "Amarillo by Morning," "The Fireman" and his current single, "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls."

Puppies on a plane! Gretchen TROUBLE

American Airlines Says Gretchen Wilson Created A 'Disturbance' ... Gretchen Wilson, on a flight last Wednesday to LA, was the subject of a "disturbance report" filed by American Airlines.

The TMZ.com story says Gretchen became "belligerent, and verbally abusive" to staff when they asked her to put her dog back in its carrier case. Aparently, the American Airlines Flight Attendants didn't appreciate Gretchen's verbal resonse. (Which rhymed with... BEEEEP) The story also says that her group was drinking on board, and those privileges were also taken away.

Toby’s Early Christmas Gift

To-ho-ho-ho-by Keith releases the second holiday album of his career, A Toby Keith Classic Christmas TODAY TODAY TO...HO-HO-HO-DAY!

The two-disc project features Toby’s renditions of classic seasonal favorites like “White Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” “Silent Night” and many others. “There’s a reason people gravitate to these songs year after year,” Toby says, “and I’m no exception.”

Taylor... still totally your favorite... again

Taylor Swift was honored as Songwriter/Artist of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association International Sunday night. Taylor tied with Alan Jackson for the honor.

The award was announced at the 38th Annual Nashville Songwriters Foundation Hall of Fame dinner and awards. Past winners of the prestigious award include Vince Gill, Shania Twain, Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley.

The NSAI Award, Taylor's first songwriting award, was voted by her peers, the professional songwriter members of the NSAI. She was honored earlier this year by AOL as Country's Hottest Female Artist and is a nominee for the Horizon Award at next month's CMA Awards, as well as for Favorite Female Country Artist at this year's American Music Awards. Taylor is the first female solo artist in country music history to write or co-write every song on a platinum-selling debut album.

Taylor spent all day Sunday flying home to Nashville from Canada in order to attend the Songwriter's Foundation event. Currently on tour with Brad Paisley, she played a show in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Saturday night.

"I am just freaking out," Taylor said of her surprise win. "I'm so excited because I got a publishing deal when I was 14 and every single day was devoted to writing songs. And it was before I got a record deal, it was before any of this started. I was a songwriter in town. And the fact that this award is voted on by my songwriter peers -- I don't even know how to explain how honored I feel. I mean, I was sitting at the table and they called Alan Jackson's name and I'm just like, 'Oh my God! That's awesome!' And then all of the sudden they say my name and I'm like, 'What happened?' I'm so humbled by this experience. It's just so unbelievable."

Bringing the Aussie on

Noooo, not Keith Urban --

Miranda Lambert fans have grown accustomed to seeing her rock out on stage at her concerts, but she wasn't always that way. Miranda says she started out as more of a singer-songwriter type of person.

Miranda tells Dial-Global that the influence of a certain Australian artist helped shape her into the performer she is today. "I can really thank Keith Urban for kind of what turned me around — being on Keith Urban's tour — because it was my first tour ever," she says. "The first day we did our show and then went and watched Keith's whole show and it was like, 'This is pro ball here. We really need to step it up and bring our A game.' And we did. And ever since then I've just really tried to every night make tonight better than last night."

Brooks & Dunn Sticking Around

Rumors of Brooks & Dunn breaking up surface every now and then, and just recently the duo talked about doing solo projects, which sparked the flames of speculation again.

According to Ronnie Dunn, doing something solo doesn't mean the end of Brooks & Dunn. "In an effort to just every now and then stir things up we discussed maybe doing solo projects or not, but we have the option," he tells Dial-Global. "And it in no way means that there's any plans to break up Brooks & Dunn. We could do that and still keep Brooks & Dunn together."

Ronnie says he's talked to Randy Owen of Alabama about solo projects, and Randy told him he wishes he's made a solo album earlier in his career. "Not to break up Alabama, you know," Ronnie points out. "But we talk about it all the time. Individual styles just gravitate to something that we really like and we'll do 10 or 12 songs and throw them out there. It doesn't have to be a big hit; it's just more of a personal, fulfilling mission than anything."

Joe Nichols -- In Rehab

Joe Nichols has canceled a Saturday night concert in Waco, Texas, and entered a substance abuse rehabilitation program. According to a message his management company posted on his Web site late Friday afternoon, "As Joe has alluded to in interviews over the past year, he has struggled with the issue of substance abuse. In order to become a healthier person and deal with longstanding issues, he has entered into a rehabilitation program for consultation and treatment." Nichols' Nashville-based publicist, Jennifer Bohler, would not comment on the situation, saying, "All I can do is point people to his Web site." The Waco Tribune-Herald newspaper reported that officials of the Heart O' Texas Fair were notified Thursday that Nichols had been hospitalized and would not be able to perform. Nichols married Heather Singleton on Sept. 9 in Savannah, Ga.

Garth Brooks joins breast cancer fight

Garth Brooks appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" this morning to announce a new partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which raises money and awareness for breast cancer research and outreach.

Garth announced that he will release a special package edition of his upcoming album, Ultimate Hits: The Pink Version, to benefit the fight against breast cancer. The set, which will also include an DVD with information about the disease, will sell for $15 at komen.org, and $10 from each purchase will go to Komen.

"This is the proudest day of my musical career," Garth said. "We’re going to try to raise, I don’t know, $10 million for them." Although Garth hasn't been personally affected by breast cancer, he mentioned his three daughters and said, "This is everyone's disease."

"We are actually going to save lives with this donation," said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Komen. We’re talking about raising millions of dollars. We are thrilled."

Garth also sang his new single, "More Than a Memory," to "GMA" anchor Robin Roberts, who recently underwent treatment for breast cancer. After the appearance, Garth held a press conference at New York's South Street Seaport to discuss his new relationship with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Garth said he was inspired when his wife, Trisha Yearwood, participated in a 60-mile walk in Chicago last August to help raise money to fight breast cancer. "Survivors and friends and family members walk for three days side by side...they had so many stories," he said. "Of all the things my wife has done, I’ve never been more proud of her. So I started thinking, 'What can I do to be that cool?'"

Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus -- Kind of a big deal

Billy Ray is riding on his daughter, Miley's (better known as Hannah Montana!) coat-tails. The shows are sold out across the country -- their duet is burning up country airwaves and it is official - Billy Ray is back on COUNTRY radio.

Pittsburgh software firm sued over Hannah Montana ticket scalping

A software company has been accused of enabling scalpers to buy up tickets for the Disney Channel's Hannah Montana concert tour.

Pittsburgh-based RMG Technologies Inc. sold software that allows users to flood Ticketmaster with requests and then sell the tickets at inflated prices, according to a lawsuit filed by Ticketmaster in federal court in Los Angeles.

Ticketmaster, a unit of IAC/InterActiveCorp, is seeking an injunction to keep RMG from selling the software. A decision is expected Monday.

LeAnn's Balance

Not on a balance beam... in life.

For an artist who attained success so early in life, LeAnn Rimes has remained remarkably grounded, in contrast to other young celebrities who generate tabloid headlines for their erratic behavior.

LeAnn, who has been married happily for five years to Dean Sheremet, tells CMA Close Up, "I knew people were just waiting for me to self-destruct because that's what happens. And I have that competitive edge to me that I wanted to prove people wrong. Fame and fortune really do strip a lot of things away from you for a little while. It did me. There's a sense of reality that's completely stripped from you, and I've clawed my way back from that. I wanted to get that back. I think it's because I wanted it so badly that I have a good balance now. It's nice to be able to look back and know that I've accomplished so much and be thankful for it, but I know there's so much more left to accomplish."

LeAnn and Dean wrote some of the material on her new CD, Family together. "When writing with Dean, there is an immense sense of security and familiarity," she says. "We complement each other very well, each picking up where the other leaves off. We're constantly pushing the other further. It's nice to have a relationship of complete honesty."

Big and Rich - The ... Mini... movie

Big & Rich reinvent the music video for their new single “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace,” which will world premiere on CMT on Sunday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m.. Big & Rich reveal their acting chops in a mini-western set to music, which was filmed in Los Angeles recently with director Robert Deaton.

The nearly six-minute short film will air as companion programming to CMT Movies, beginning with the network premiere of “Wyatt Earp,” the 1994 movie staring Kevin Costner and Dennis Quaid.

“Once again, Big & Rich have innovated the way one sees music. Premiering the clip as a short film before a feature-length western deepens the overall homage to the movie experience you used to get in theatres,” said Jay Frank, vice president of music and talent, CMT. “That creativity alongside the internet and mobile promotion is why superstars like Big & Rich come to CMT to debut their musical visions.”

CMT will feature behind-the-scenes footage from the set when it debuts BEHIND THE SHORT FILM on CMT Mobile beginning Thursday, October 11.

The film showcases the classic western battle between good and evil, with John Rich as a gunslinger and Big Kenny Alphin portraying a preacher with a drinking habit. Always a professional, John Rich wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty during the filming of “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace.” Rich performed his own stunts for the short

Garth on the BIG SCREEN!!!!!!

For one brief minute in 1999, country music phenom Garth Brooks introduced the masses to his alt-rocker alter ego "Chris Gaines" -- RIP -- But it now it looks like Garth's got another multiple personality under his hat -- movie star?!

Brooks is taking a break from one of those self-imposed faux-retirements that musicians do, and signed on to do nine concerts this November in country music hotspot Kansas City, Missouri. While tix for all performances are already sold out (for reals!), Brooks has struck a deal to have one of the concerts simulcast to more than 300 movie theaters around the country. Cool beans!

Garth-ophiles will have to wait to find out when to rush to the theaters -- reps for the event have yet to announce a date.

Randy Owen Goes SOLO

Randy Owen is recording a solo album after more than 25 years of hits with Alabama.

His album doesn't have a name or release date yet, but Owen said it could be out as early as January. The 57-year-old Fort Payne native said he's writing and co-writing songs for the project, and John Rich of Big and Rich is producing.

"He's a superintelligent musical genius," Owen said of Rich.

Owen was in Montgomery on Tuesday for state Attorney General Troy King's presentation of nearly $74,000 to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

King said Owen suggested the hall get the money, which was left over from the state's share of a nationwide price-fixing settlement with music distributors and retailers.

David Johnson, executive director of the hall of fame, said about 10,000 schoolchildren from Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee visit the tourist attraction each year on field trips, and the funds will be used to continue the hall's educational mission. The hall of fame is located in Tuscumbia, about 20 miles south of the Tennessee border.

Owen recalled his childhood in northeast Alabama, when his interest in music made him "a little different" from other kids.

"People made fun of the songs I made up back then. Now they make a living for me and my family," he said.

Alabama gave their farewell tour in 2003. They were inducted into the Alabama Hall of Fame in 1993.

Tracy L-ho-ho-ho-rence

Tracy Lawrence will fulfill a longtime dream when he releases the first holiday album of his career on October 23.

The CD, All Wrapped Up In Christmas, will feature a collection of seasonal classics, including "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," done in a blend of country, jazz and classic pop styles. In addition, the album will contain three new songs: "Something in the Air," "Cold Beer" and the title track.

"I've been dreaming of recording a Christmas CD for many, many years," Tracy says. "I've just been waiting for the timing to be right. I looked for songs that were warm as well as fun, and challenging to sing. We pulled the best from all three music traditions. I really hope this CD will put people in the spirit of the season."

Tracy says he and his family have always gotten especially excited about Christmas. "I love everything about the holidays from shopping for presents to decorating the house with my family," he says. "Christmas is huge with the Lawrence household. Before heading into the studio, I had each of my daughters select one song for the project. Skylar chose 'Here Comes Santa Claus' and Keagan selected 'Frosty The Snowman.'"

Although the project was recorded during some of the summer's hottest days, Tracy set the mood for the sessions. "It was nearly 100 degrees outside when we were recording," Tracy says. "We put up a Christmas tree in the studio, hung stockings filled with candy on all of the musicians' mic stands, strung up some twinkling lights and prepared for a make-believe snowstorm. For the moment it felt like Christmas — at least until we broke for lunch and walked outside."

Diamond Ri-Ho-Ho-Ho!

Country Supergroup Diamond Rio Releases First Holiday CD!

The anticipation has been building, and now it’s here, the release of Diamond Rio’s first-ever holiday recording, “A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines.” One of Country music’s most beloved supergroups, Diamond Rio’s Christmas album blends holiday classics with the band’s impeccable harmonies – a perfect match that will become a holiday favorite for years to come. A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines is the first project under the group’s new label, Word Records, and the CD will be distributed to Country and Christian markets via WEA and Word Distribution, respectively.

A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines showcases timeless holiday songs done Diamond Rio style, including “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and nine other holiday favorites. “Finally, we have a Christmas CD!” says guitarist Jimmy Olander. “We threw ourselves at this project like none we have ever done before. When you have loved songs for so long and all your heroes have recorded them, it definitely makes you dig deep. I'm sure I'm way too close to be objective...but I think this is some of our best work.” “We decided to put our mark on each one of the songs, so every song is different than what you would expect to hear,” continues keyboardist Dan Truman. “There are a bunch of surprises as far as the arrangements and the little things we did to them which made it an absolute blast for us, just sitting around in the studio coming up with new ideas for the same old songs.”

Diamnd Rio will soon be taking “A Diamond Rio Christmas: The Star Still Shines” on the road as the band is currently planning a Christmas tour.

Taylor Swift is totally your favorite

Taylor Swift Nominated For American Music Award For Favorirte Female Country Artist ...

Taylor Swift was in New York about to head over to this the afternoon’s soundcheck for her performance on Live with Regis & Kelly when she found out that she had received a nomination for Favorite Female Country Artist at this year’s American Music Awards.

“Ahhhhhh! I’m so excited about this!” says Taylor of her nomination. “I’m ecstatic about it being a fan-voted award show! I’m still trying to catch my breath because two minutes ago I was dancing around my hotel room!” Taylor is also a nominee for the prestigious Horizon Award at this year’s CMA Awards, which will be broadcast live on ABC on November 7th, the day after the November 6th release of her new project The Taylor Swift Limited Deluxe Edition. An enhanced version of Taylor’s self-titled debut CD, which was released in 2006 and has reached Platinum-level sales, the new package is a CD / DVD dual set, containing exciting new music and video extras, including three new songs from Taylor and a very special behind-the-scenes home movie of her life over the past year, compiled and edited by Taylor herself.

Taylor’s new hit single “Our Song,” is climbing the Country charts. It has also climbed a tree.

Keith's big four-oh

Keith Urban is using his upcoming 40th birthday on October 26 to do some good for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Keith is hosting his fourth annual Fan Club Birthday Drive to benefit the hospital in Memphis. He started the fundraising effort for St. Jude in 2004 by asking fans to donate money instead of sending him gifts and cards. Fans can find out more by visiting Keith's website at keithurban.net.

The drive is an official St. Jude fundraiser, encouraged by Keith, his team and St. Jude. All money donated will be collected directly by St. Jude. Donations will be taken through October 31 online or by mail. In honor of Keith's 40th birthday, anyone who makes at least a $40 donation will receive a special thank you card.

Support the troops with Tim

Tim McGraw has created a space on his website where families and friends of soldiers can upload photos or share stories and comments about their loved ones in the military.

The web pages are intended to serve as a living memorial to the U.S. military's fallen soldiers and a place to honor troops. The idea came about because of the strong reaction Tim has gotten from soldiers and their families to his single, "If You're Reading This."

Tim's website, timmcgraw.com, also includes a live performance of "If You're Reading this." The song, which he introduced at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May of this year, has since been added to his current album Let It Go.

Carrie needs a DATE!

Carrie Underwood says she's still looking for that special someone in her life.... no, that doesn't mean she's taking applications or volunteers.

Regarding the rumors that actor Jeremy Piven has been pursuing her, Carrie laughs and says, "He's not. I met him for the first time at Fashion Rocks. He seems really sweet, but I don't think he's interested in me."

Carrie tells Dial-Global that the dating game is a hard one for someone in her position to play. "You know, guys I might be interested in could be terrified of me. They don't know what to expect. I just don't play games. Talk to me like I'm a human being. But then you meet other people that it's kinda like, 'Why is he hangin' out with me?' I don't really know what his motives are. Does he have an album coming out that he wants some controversy with? I don't know. It's a completely new ball game. I haven't figured it out yet."

Carrie adds that she's pretty good at spotting a sleazy opening line and has no problem telling a guy to buzz off if he's being too evasive.