GEORGE STRAIT ARTIST OF THE DECADE SPECIAL & NEW SINGLEWhen the ACM George Strait Artist of the Decade Special was taped in Las Vegas the day after the ACM Awards were handed out, the press watched from the press room. Even there, watching on monitors, it looked like it would be a great show. And so it was last night as it played out on CBS-TV. After the Artist of the Decade of the '90s, Garth Brooks paid loving tribute to Strait, and handed him the trophy, George said, thanked his wife and son, his manager and producers and the fans...then closed the show with everYbody on stage singing along with Strait's self-defining hit, "Troubadour."STRAIT picked yesterday's televised celebration of his career to announce the release today of his new single, "Living for the Night," available at noon CT on Play MPE.
CHESNEY'S GREATEST HITS II DEBUTS NUMBER ONEKenny Chesney's Greatest HIts II album debuted with sales of just under 90,000 (89,367) units placing it at #1.BUCKY COVINGTON DRAWS RECORD CROWD TO SHOW IN ASHEBORO, NCBucky Covington was back on his home turf in North Carolina this past weekend and 13,000 of his neighbors showed up to see him perform at the outdoor show for the 48th annual Cox Harley Davidson open house in Asheboro, NC. The event's organizers report the 13,000 attendees to be the biggest crowd in the event's history, so large that they ran out of bike and car parking due to the overwhelming attendance and fans spent hours in line on the highway waiting to enter the event.
NOTE FROM TAYLOR'S HEADLINING SHOWcf.comTaylor's opening acts on the Fearless tour are Gloriana and Kellie Pickler...and they both report how well they're treated by the tour. At the Staples Center show in Los Angeles, GLORIANA was given a big welcome by Tailor's fans, who later lined up to meet and greet the group and visit their merchandise booth. They praised Taylor for not only personally calling them to invite them to tour with her, but also for treating them well on the road.KELLIE PICKLER, Taylor's personal friend, was obviously having a good time on the tour, plus, as always Kellie's charm and powerful vocals on stage had the audience treating her like a major star.BY THE WAY, as part of her finale Taylor brings Gloriana and Kellie out on stage to join in on one big number. The sound of those six powerful voices all harmonizing together is actually a wonderful sound. Nice moment.SPEAKING OF KELLIE, she's missed a couple of the tour shows recently while whe recovers from bronchitis.
MARTINA McBRIDE TO PERFORM AT THE CCMA AWARDSThe Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) announced today that multi-platinum recording artist Martina McBride will perform at the 2009 Canadian Country Music Awards.The awards will be held at General Motors Place in Vancouver, BC, September 13, 2009. Broadcast nationally on CBC with encore airings on CMT in Canada, this year's CCMA Awards show promises to be a colossal country music party for fans across Canada.
TRACE ADKINS KARAOKE CONTESTTrace Adkins and MySpace have teamed up for the Trace Adkins MySpace Karaoke Contest, where one talented Karaoke singer will be on their way to one of Trace's concerts to meet and hang out backstage with the big man in-person!To enter, fans can go to http://ksolo.myspace.com/music/Trace-Adkins before Monday, June 8 to record their favorite Trace Adkins song(s). They will have five of his biggest hits to choose from, including "Ladies Love Country Boys," "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," "Marry For Money," "Your Gonna Miss This" and his brand new single, "All I Ask for Anymore."Trace Adkins and MySpace will then pick a Grand Prize winner, who will win a trip for two to attend a Trace Adkins concert (hotel and airfare included). Two runner-up winners will also be selected to receive a special Trace Adkins prize pack valued up to $250.00.
TRACY LAWRENCE TO CELEBRATE CD RELEASE WITH MILITARYTracy Lawrence announces a Military World Premiere event of THE ROCK. In an exclusive pre-celebration, Lawrence will participate in a special two-day event to deliver his new CD personally to our brothers and sisters of the military at Norfolk Naval Station and Fort Bragg.Tracy will visit some of the more than 100,000 Navy and Marine personnel of the Norfolk Naval Station in Norfolk, VA on Sunday, May 31 and will wrap-up the excursion at Fort Bragg in North Carolina the following day (Monday, June 1, 2009).In commemoration of his anticipated CD release (THE ROCK) and in recognition and honor of all U.S. men and women in uniform, the CD will be made available on these bases for all military personnel to purchase ten days prior to the retail sale date. While visiting Norfolk Naval Station and Fort Bragg, Tracy will visit with the troops individually as part of pre-scheduled meet and greets and CD signings.“I’ve been told by a number of listeners that THE ROCK has really touched them in some way,” Lawrence said. “I cannot imagine the emotions and turmoil our service men and women endure on a daily basis and to bring an emotional or moving message ‘home’ to them is the least I can do as a memento of my heartfelt appreciation for taking care of me and my family and our entire country.”
GEORGE STRAIT: ACM ARTIST OF THE DECADE SHOW, MAY 27THTune in Wednesday, May 27th at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS Television Network to watch superstars of country music pay tribute to the King of Country at the GEORGE STRAIT: ACM ARTIST OF THE DECADE ALL STAR CONCERT, featuring a special appearance by Garth Brooks and performances by Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Jamie Foxx, Faith Hill, Jack Ingram, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, John Rich, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack. Strait was named the ACM Artist of the Decade for the 2000s, joining only four other artists who have received this distinction: Marty Robbins for the 1960s, Loretta Lynn for the 1970s, Alabama for the 1980s and Garth Brooks for the 1990s.
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ZAC BROWN BAND ON A ROLL THIS WEEKThe Zac Brown Band is charging up Billboard's County Chart this month with their second single "Whatever It Is" at #8 this week. CMT also announced this week that the Zac Brown Band's video for "Chicken Fried," which was directed by Clifton Collins Jr., has made it to the final round of voting for two fan-voted 2009 CMT Music Awards: Group Video of the Year and USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year.Voting is open and will continue through June 15. The winners will be announced live from the 2009 CMT Music Awards show broadcast from Nashville on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 p.m. ET on CMT and CMT.com.
CARRIE RETURNED TO IDOL INJURED, PROVED TO BE A TROUPER cf.comIf you noticed that Carrie Underwood was a little gimpy on American Idol Tuesday night she was, playing the gig intured. Carrie told Ryan Seacrest on his radio show, "I was running last Saturday in my little community [in Nashville]...It's about three miles, I was about halfway through and I fell. And this nice lady was driving behind me -- I'd never met her before. She saw the incident and was nice enough to pull over and roll down the window and say, 'Can I take you home?' So I fought back tears and she took me home!" According to Carrie that’s also the reason she wore jeans instead of shorts or a short dress, which she usually wears when she performs. She says her injury “looks ugly” but isn’t too serious.BY THE WAY CARRIE TOPS ALL IDOL ALUMNI IN EARNINGSKris Allen was crowned the newest American Idol last night and he could have a fairly lucrative future to look forward to. Forbes magazine has just released their ranking of the top earning American Idol alumni based on 2008 earnings, and Carrie Underwood tops the list, having made $14 million last year. The figures are based on album sales, touring and endorsement deals. Jennifer Hudson came in second with $5 million, Kelly Clarkson made $4.2 million, Jordin Sparks came in fourth with earnings of $3.1 million and Kellie Pickler rounded out the top five with $2.3 million earned in 2008.
cf.comBrad Paisley’s wrapped up production of his new album “American Saturday Night” and it's ready for it's June 30th release. Brad co-wrote everything on the album and he says it may be, “the most important thing I've ever recorded.” He says, "This record is as personal as I've ever gotten. And it's as honest as I can be. It's not as much as collection of songs as it is ... reflections on sort of a 'week in the life' of a person who lives and breathes in America on any given weekend -- on Saturday night." Brad will kick off rehearsals for his his American Saturday Night Tour on June 5th.
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GOT $7.4 MILLION ?..IF SO YOU CAN BUY LeANN RIMES NASHVILLE HOMELeAnn Rimes and her husband Dean Sheremet have put their newly-built, six-bedroom Nashville home on the market for $7.45 million, but those close to the couple insist it has nothing to do with any marital problems. Friends tell People magazine, "LeAnn and Dean decided to put their home on the market because she's been spending more time in L.A. [where the couple also have a home] and New York. She's been receiving more offers in the film, TV and theater worlds, so they want to have a footprint in all three cities." The 13,380 square foot home sits on a gated lot and features a saltwater swimming pool, workout room, media room, huge kitchen and master suite with a fireplace.
DEATH OF GEORGE STRAIT'S BROTHER, RULED ACCIDENTAL According to the San Antonio Express-News, the death of George Strait’s brother, John “Buddy” Strait, has been ruled accidental. According to the Bexar County Medical Examiner, Buddy died of methadone toxicity and heart disease. Methadone is a narcotic pain reliever that is used for various purposes including withdrawal treatment from narcotics such as heroin, although no information was given as to why Buddy had it in his system when he was found dead in a San Antonio hotel room on April 10th.
CF.COMIT'S HAPPENED FOR SUGARLAND'S "IT HAPPENS," as their single moves up one to take over the #1 spot in the U.S.A. this week...then there's...BRAD PAISLEY'S "THEN: that jumps up a couple to land at #2 while...KEITH URBAN's "KISS A GIRL" hops up two as well...bringing it on at #3...as,,,KENNY CHESNEY's "OUT LAST NIGHT" was out last week garninger enough additional airplay to jump up two to #4...while...JASON ALDEAN's "SHE'S COUNTRY" vacates the top spot coming in to round out the Top 5 at #5 for the week.INTERNATIONAL IDOL, KEITH URBAN, TO PERFORM ON AMERICAN IDOL cf.comAfter sold-out concerts in Chicago and Minneapolis over this past weekend, as part of his “Escape Together World Tour,” and now Urban heads to Los Angeles to perform on the American Idol finale on FOX this Wednesday night. Details about Urban’s appearance have not been made public. “I think this year in particular, has been one of the best for American Idol,” said Urban. “There are (and were) some truly gifted vocalists. The Rat Pack episode was the best, across the board – nights of singing that I’ve ever seen on television. I guess what I love most about the show, is watching the musical growth – to see them use the critique given and come back the next week and blow you away......that’s the magic of Idol.”
MONTGOMERY GENTRY STARTED THEM ENGINESMontgomery Gentry served as grand marshals for the 25th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Saturday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, and one lucky Sprint customer will be randomly selected to wave the green flag at the start of the race."Being asked to be grand marshals for the Sprint All-Star race is just awesome,” Montgomery said. “We've never gotten the chance to yell 'Gentlemen, start your engines' before, and for it to be at the Sprint All-Star Race, what an exciting race to be a part of.” As part of the grand marshal role, the duo was recognized during pre-race introductions, give the famous command for drivers to start their engines and ride in the grand marshal car leading the field during the ceremonial parade laps."Yeah, starting the race and getting a chance to do a pace lap will be pretty incredible,” Gentry said. “After we're done rockin’ the Jim Beam pre-race concert, that will be a great way to finish out the day.”
INGRAM KNOWS WHY HIS SINGLE IS RISING
cf.comJack Ingram says that he knows why his single "Barefoot & Crazy" is leaping and bounding up the chart (up three this week), “To me, it's the ultimate escape…and something anyone can pull off. It feels good. It comes from a sweet spot. It delivers on that break everybody needs, and it's just about the right kind of fun as a record, too.”
WANNA SING ON STAGE LIKE SARA EVANS?Sara Evans is inviting fans to compete for the opportunity to win their moment in the sun with her Sara-oke Fan Club Party Challenge. Sara is challenging her fan club members to choose a karaoke version of one of her big hits and record a video of themselves singing such Evans favorites as “No Place That Far,” “Born to Fly,” “I Could Not Ask for More,” “A Real Fine Place to Start,” or “Suds in the Bucket.” Fans can then post their video on Sara’s Fan Club YouTube channel in response to her contest video. Three finalists will be chosen from the submissions, with the finalist videos being shown at Sara’s fan club party in Nashville on June 12, where fans can then vote on their favorite, with the winner invited on stage to perform that song live with Sara! Complete Sara-oke rules and details, including Sara’s video invitation and more information about her fan club, are online now at saraevans.com. Sara’s Greatest Hits album, packed with 14 big songs, including all of the original hits above, is available now, and fans can also be listening for new music from Sara, on the radio this summer!
JUSTIN MOORE'S TUNE VID NOW AN iTUNECF.COMJustin Moore’s current hit video “Small Town USA” has just been selected by iTunes for their Music Video of the Week feature, set to launch this Tuesday, May 19th. The clip, which just moved up to heavy rotation on CMT and medium rotation on GAC, will be featured across the iTunes store, alongside video podcasts about the making of the video for the single.
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JUSTIN MOORE TO COOK ON CMT'S SOUTHERN FRIED FLICKS Justin Moore appeared on CMT’s Southern Fried Flicks with Hazel Smith, airing this weekend. What many may not know is that the rising star loves to cook. What's his favorite thing to cook? “My opinion would probably differ from my wife's. My deer meat is probably my best thing to me. I marinade it the night before. As a side, fried potatoes are always good. I have to thank my grandma for teaching me that. My wife's favorite thing I cook is flank steak and asparagus.”
WATCH JIMMY WAYNE ESCAPE LOCKED BUScf.comWhen the door jammed on his bus, Jimmy Wayne was due on stage in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The only way to get out was to crawl out of the back windows. If you want to see how a star wriggles through a window to perdorm for his fans, check out Jimmy's excape taped by his bandleader and now on YouTube. Check out this link.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dDk4VIN_GA). "It was just freakin' hysterical," Wayne said of his predicament. "The band and crew were on the ground laughing, and the guys with the radio station (WYZB/Fort Walton, Florida) saw the whole thing and reported it to the audience. And to top it all off, I looked and felt like a roasted pepper, having spent way too much time in the sun earlier that day. So, climbing out the window did sting a bit! But hey, the show must go on!" SPEAKING OF JIMMY....HE'S SINGING IN THE MOVIESJimmy Wayne covers the Orleans’ hit “Dance With Me” for the new independent movie Love N Dancing, opening last week in Los Angeles and New York City, and this week in Nashville and other select markets. The song runs as the theme song on the opening credits.
REBA RETURNS TO GREAT TO SEE HER FANS, CMA FESTIVAL Reba will be performing during the upcoming CMA Music Festival at the nightly LP Field VAULT Concert Series. “I was invited to perform this year by the producers of the CMA Festival. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve performed at the festival,” states Reba. “CMA Music Fest is a great place to see the fans from all over the world. They’re the most avid country music fans which makes them an extremely exciting audience.” Look for an announcement coming this week as to Reba’s involvement in this year’s event.
NBC'S DATELINE HAS DATE WITH TAYLORDateline NBC will air Dateline: On Tour With Taylor Swift on Sunday, May 31 at 7 PM/ET, featuring unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to this summer’s hottest concert ticket, Taylor Swift’s first-ever headlining tour, the FEARLESS 2009 Tour. Shot on three continents over a period of three months, the hour offers a comprehensive look at the creation and launch of the sold-out Fearless tour, including concert and backstage footage from the US, the UK and Australia, interviews with Taylor and her band and crew, and exclusive looks at Swift’s tour bus, dressing room, crew meetings, dancer auditions, and concert performances. The special edition of Dateline also features video diaries, shot by Swift herself, offering an intimate look at the life of music’s newest superstar. Also that week, Taylor will perform live on NBC’s Today Show Summer Concert Series, taking the stage in Rockefeller Plaza on Friday, May 29th.
PAISLEY TO COVER OF BILLBOARD/PLUS MARQUEE OF "THE GARDEN"Brad Paisley is featured on the cover of the current Billboard Magazine, on stands now. The article highlights Paisley’s publishing company Sea Gayle Music, which he co-owns with long-time friends Frank Rogers (producer) and Chris DuBois (songwriter). Also featured is his upcoming album, American Saturday Night (June 30 release date), and his tour by the same name which kicks off June 5 in Charlotte, NC. The article is written by Nashville based award-winning journalist, Deborah Evans-Price.ALSO... In addition to the dates already announced for the American Saturday Night tour Paisley will take the show to the prestigious Madison Square Gardens in New York City on Oct. 21. Check out www.bradpaisley.com for tour schedule. “The premise of this tour is that every night is a Saturday night, live from wherever we are,” says Paisley.
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KEITH URBAN HEADS TO CANADA Keith Urban heads north of the border today, to Toronto, where he¹ll spend two days on a non-stop promotional trip, which will include eight interviews, five of which are television appearances, including the taping of a television concert special. This will mark Urban¹s first visit to Canada in support of Defying Gravity, which has already celebrated a #1 song, "Sweet Thing" (Urban¹s 15th in Canada) and another Top 5 song "Kiss A Girl," which is currently #2 and appears headed for the top spot.Some of the highlights of Urban¹s promotional visit, include an interview onCBC¹s "The Hour," Canada¹s #1 primetime show, a four-song performance onCanada¹s #1 morning show Canada AM and a CMT Canada & Sympatico/MSN concert special.Urban spent Mother¹s Day in Nashville before heading to Toronto thismorning.
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CARRIE'S A 10 ONCE AGAIN...TEN CHART TOPPERS OFF TWO ALBUMScf.comWhen you look at Carrie Underwood she's a 10, when you hear her sing, 10 again...now she's a unique 10...the only country artist to score 10 #1 hits out of her first two albums as, “I Told You So,” becomes her 10th single to top a key sales or airplay chart. She’s sold more than 10 million albums with her first two records alone,SHE IS ALSO he only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 #1 hits. PLUS...CARRIE CONTINUES TO GIVE BACK... Carrie Underwood made her second trip to Africa earlier this month visiting orphanages and health centers near Luanda, Angola where she participated in the area’s cause to help fight malaria. Her visit was part of American Idol’s “Idol Gives Back” charitable endeavors, and a special video package will air on American Idol Tuesday, May 12 to help show viewers how their donations have helped with various relief programs. While in Angola, Underwood visited an all-girl orphanage in Luanda where the girls performed songs and poetry for her after she delivered bed nets and backpacks with school supplies to the orphanage. Underwood also participated in a community bed net giveaway in Ngangula, and wrapped up her 3-day trip by visiting a health center in Luanda where pregnant women received malaria counseling and treatment.
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TAYLOR SWIFT MAKES APPEARANCE ON OPRAHcf.comTaylor Swift took a break from her sold-out FEARLESS 2009 tour late last month to tape an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which is set to air on Monday, May 18th. Being a guest on the “Oprah” show is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for Taylor, and she visited the show’s Chicago studios to surprise a young fan as a part of a special episode - the finale of "Oprah's Search for the World's Smartest and Most Talented Kids," which includes performances from young people with incredible talents from around the world. Dancers, singers and more take to the “Oprah” show stage to show off their best skills to a global audience. Check local listings for time and channel.Meanwhile, Taylor’s good friend, American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler, joins Taylor as a featured artist on all of the FEARLESS dates, and hot new group Gloriana is opening all of the shows. Taylor will take her FEARLESS Tour to 52 cities in 40 states and provinces in the US and Canada over the next 6 months. Every show with tickets on sale has sold out within minutes, including Madison Square Garden, which sold out in one minute. At Taylor’s request, $20 tickets were made available for the Fearless Tour.
SPEAKING OF TAYLOR'S TOUR...GLORIANA LOVING ITGloriana tells Nash IQ, they're thrilled to be on the Taylor Swift tour. They called their first few date's "Amazing." The also laud Taylor for taking such good care of her opening acts.cf.com
GLORIANA STOPS BY WEST COAST LABEL DIGS...Yesterday Warner Brothers Records threw a midday barbecue and concert at their Burbank offices in California for the label staff and press featuring Gloriana delivering a glorious acoustic set that featured the amazing four-part harmonies that are making them one of the hottest new acts of the year.
KEITH URBAN'S ESCAPE TOGETHER WORLD TOUR HITS THE GROUND RUNNINGCF.COMKeith Urban returned to the stage on Thursday night (May 7th) to thunderousapplause from adoring fans who packed into the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville,Connecticut. What they came for, they got, the debut of Urban's highlyanticipated Escape Together World Tour - a two-hour high-energy party ofhits, guitar-slinging and what has became an Urban concert trademark - theunexpected. "We finally made it back...2009," said Urban, greeting everyone for thefirst time, before making his way out through the crowd to a small 8' by 8'stage. "You know I'm really nervous tonight,' he said. "I almost lost myvoice on the first two songs, but we¹re getting back on track now."Urban took full advantage of his massive stage, which features two ramps oneither side that gives him the ability to walk into the crowd at will something that he did more then a 12 dozen times much to the delight of theaudience. On one occasion Urban left the "floor," weaving his way throughthe crowd escorted by securty, and landed 12 rows up in Section 25 of thearena. Twenty songs, almost half of which were from Urban's catalogue of #1s,rising microphone stands and five massive video walls, each of which rotateup to 270 degrees, highlight a masterful show that is not to be missed."I was freaking out at the beginning of the show, but you guys made iteasier with your love and appreciation," said Urban before his final song."It's some hard times out there for a lot of people, so it's especiallygratifying that you chose to come out to see us tonight."
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JENNIFER NETTLES ON VOCAL REST OFF URBAN TOUR
CF.COMDoctors recently told Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles that she had to rest her voice to protect it. That cause Jennifer and Kristian to pull out of the opening slot for Keith Urban's Escape Together Tour for performances in Uncasville, Con.(last night and tonight).FILLING IN last night, Jason Aldean and Little Big Town is scheduled to pinch hit tonight.GET official Keith Urban news and information go to www.keithurban.net<http://www.keithurban.net <http://www.keithurban.net> > .
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CMA HONORS DIERKS BENTLEY AND BROOKS & DUNN WITH INTERNATIONAL ARTIST ACHIEVEMENT AWARDSCF.COMKix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, and Dierks Bentley,each were presented with the CMA International Artist Achievement Award for their contributions to Country Music overseas. They were presented the awards backstage at the Acer Arena May 6 in Sydney, during the final stop of their hugely successful Australian tour.The International Artist Achievement Awards were presented by CMA Board member Rob Potts, CEO of Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, and Ray Hadley from Radio 2GB and currently Australia's No. 1 rated radio presenter.
LITTLE BIG TOWN AND JOSH TURNER PERFORM AT 2009 CMA MUSIC FESTIVALCF.COMLittle Big Town and Josh Turner are added to the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts on the VAULTTM Concert Stage at LP Field. The four-day festival, which benefits music education in Music City, takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 11-14, in Downtown Nashville."The ramp up to CMA Music Festival is always exciting as artists are confirmed to perform and participate," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "We love hosting these fantastic artists for the greatest fans in the world."
Artists currently scheduled to appear at LP Field include (in alphabetical order):Thursday, June 11 - Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Julianne Hough, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and Darius Rucker.Friday, June 12 - Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, and Zac Brown Band.Saturday, June 13 - Trace Adkins, Jamey Johnson, Martina McBride, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack, and Wynonna (with a special appearance by The Judds).Sunday, June 14 - Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, John Rich, and Taylor Swift.
CF.COMIn preparation for Mother’s Day, The Big D and Bubba Show welcomed Country artist Rodney Atkins this morning to share his personal story of adoption. Adkins was surprised when Big D and Bubba told him his adoptive mother was on the phone so he could wish her a Happy Mother’s Day. To hear the segment, click the link below or visit http://www.bigdandbubba.com.http://www.bigdandbubba.com/audio/RA.mp3
TOBY KEITH AMERICA'S TOUGHEST TOUR EXPANDS WITH MORE DATES Toby Keith is already wrapping up his most important tour of the year, made that way by the honored audiences he found in the forward operating bases in Afghanistan as part of his seventh USO Tour to the Middle East. NOW it's back to the homeland for Toby Keith America's Toughest Tour presented by Ford F Series that opens June 18 in Holmdel, NJ, and the itinerary has recently expanded through September.Keith is joined on the tour by hit-maker TRACE ADKINS.America's Toughest Tour dates:June 18 Holmdel, NJJune 19 ClevelandJune 20 IndianapolisJune 26 Tampa, FLJune 27 W. Palm Beach, FLJune 28 Jacksonville, FLJuly 10 Virginia Beach, VAJuly 11 Raleigh, NCJuly 12 Charlotte, NCJuly 17 Hartford, CTJuly 18 St. Clairsville, OHJuly 19 DetroitJuly 25 PhiladelphiaJuly 26 BostonJuly 31 Kansas City, MOAugust 1 DallasAugust 3 Sturgis, SDAugust 6 Detroit Lakes, MNAugust 13 San Diego, CAAugust 14 PhoenixAugust 15 Los AngelesAugust 16 San FranciscoAugust 20 Albuquerque, NMAugust 21 DenverAugust 22 Salt Lake CityAugust 28 Kelseyville, CASeptember 3 Saratoga Springs, NYSeptember 4 Buffalo, NYSeptember 5 Scranton, PASeptember 10 CincinnatiSeptember 11 PittsburghSeptember 12 Washington, DCSeptember 17 AtlantaSeptember 18 St, LouisSeptember 19 Chicago
PAISLEY SET TO HANG OUT IN THE SEAT OF POWERBrad Paisley and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley will join many other celebrity guests attending the White House Correspondents Dinner Saturday (5/9) in Washington, DC. The Paisleys are attending at CBS News White House Correspondent Bob Schieffer's invitation. PLUS...BRAD PAISLEY PLAYS “GOOD MORNING AMERICA”SUMMER CONCERT SERIES IN CENTRAL PARK – JULY 3 Brad Paisley’s album launch for his upcoming June 30 release, American Saturday Night, he will be the first country artist to play Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series this year at the new location of Central Park in New York City. This week Paisley is in studio putting the finishing touches on his upcoming albumBrad’s current single, “Then,” is number six on the singles charts after only seven weeks at radio. This is the fastest rising single of Paisley’s illustrious career – so far.
KEITH URBAN ARRIVES IN UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT FOR “ESCAPE TOGETHER WORLD TOUR” OPEN Keith Urban arrived in Uncasville, Connecticut today for the final two days of preparations before the opening of his “Escape Together World Tour.” A full show run-through is planned for this evening (May 5th) and for tomorrow afternoon, before Thursday’s opening at the Mohegan Sun with Sugarland. A second show takes place on Friday, May 8th. “A lot of things go through my mind,” said Urban about the time he spends leading up to opening night. “I mostly play the show in my head over and over trying to visualize anything that could be improved upon. I guess in a way, I’m just getting more and more familiar with the show. But as structured as it is, I always leave spaces for spontaneity.” As Keith readies for opening night, he has on deck, the release of his new video for “Kiss A Girl.” The song, his second single from Defying Gravity, currently sits inside the Top 10 on the Country Singles Chart. It is his 20th Top 10.
TRACE ADKINS TO RETURN FOR SEASON FINALE OF THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICEAmerican business magnate and television personality, Donald Trump, has invited country music superstar Trace Adkins to make a special guest appearance on the live three-hour season finale of "The Celebrity Apprentice" on Sunday, May 10 at 8ET/7CT on NBC.The stage has been set for what is sure to be a brutal battle between comedian Joan Rivers and poker icon Annie Duke as they enlist former contestants for one last task to determine who will be this year's ultimate Apprentice. Adkins, who finished second in the 2008 Celebrity Apprentice competition, will join last year's crowned winner, British tabloid editor and "America's Got Talent" Judge Piers Morgan, to talk with Mr. Trump about the memorable conflicts and drama that ensued in last year's series. They will recount their year since appearing on the competition and how much money they've been able to raise for their respective charities. Mr. Trump will also ask Adkins and Morgan who they think should win this year, and why.
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DOLLY PARTON’S “9 TO 5” EARNS FOUR TONY AWARD NOMINATIONS “What's fresh and original are Dolly Parton’s bouncy, big-hearted songs, which accompany the familiar title tune…’I Just Might’ [is] a bright, optimistic ballad. The best number, ‘Change It,’ is about the office but really addresses larger issues, and makes the show shine.”--Joe Dziemianowicz, New York Daily News, May 1, 2009 The musical--which opened on April 30 at the Marquis Theatre--also recently garnered a record-setting 15 Drama Desk Awards (including “Outstanding Musical,” “Outstanding Music” and “Outstanding Lyrics”) as well as three Drama League Award nominations (including “Distinguished Production of a Musical”).
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