Country On-Demand

Thursday, January 31, 2008

McGraw to headline own tour

Tim McGraw will go on the road in May under the 2008 Live Your Voice tour with Jason Aldean and Halfway to Hazard opening.

McGraw, who toured last summer with wife Faith Hill, is headlining his own show this year.

Shows start May 9 in Tampa, Fla. and ends July 6 in Pittsburgh. McGraw's tour will consist of mainly playing sheds.

"I'm looking forward to having Jason and Chad and David out there this year," said McGraw. "They are among the best live performers out there, and I think it's a great combination that the fans will enjoy."

Halfway to Hazard, a duo from Kentucky, released their debut on McGraw's label last August. They also opened many shows on the Soul2Soul 2007 tour of McGraw and Hill.

McGraw will also play one-off headlining dates at several festivals prior to the tour including the Houston Livestock & Rodeo March 3, his debut appearance at the New Orleans Jazz Festival April 27 and the Stagecoach Festival May 4.

McGraw asked "Rock the Vote" to join the tour to mobilize voter registration awareness. For 18 years, Rock the Vote has fused celebrity and politics to encourage voting.

Tour dates are:
May 9 Tampa, Ford Amphitheatre
May 10 West Palm Beach, FL Sound Advice Amp
May 11 Orlando, FL TD Waterhouse
May 15 Birmingham, AL Verizon Wireless Music Ctr
May 16 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Music Ctr
May 17 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amph
May 21 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Amph
May 22 Detroit DTE Energy Music Theatre
May 23 Indianapolis Verizon Wireless Music Ctr
May 24 Chicago First Midwest Bank Amph
May 29 Wichita, KS
May 30 Oklahoma City, OK Ford
May 31 Waxahachie, TX Country Thunder
June 1 Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pav
June 3 Charleston, West Va.
June 5 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
June 6 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake PAC
June 7 Boston Bank of American Pavilion
June 8 Hartford, Conn. New England Dodge Music Ctr
June 11 Atlanta HiFi Buys Amph
June 13 Virginia Beach, Va. Verizon Wireless
June 14 Philadelphia Post Gazette Pavilion
June 15 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion
June 17 Kansas City, Mo. Sprint Center
June 19 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
June 20 Phoenix, AZCricket Pavilion
June 21 Las Vegas, Indoors
June 24 Seattle Venue
June 25 Portland, Ore. Amphitheater at Clark County
June 27 Salt Lake City ANA Amph
June 28 Grand Junction, CO Country Jam USA
June 29 Greeley, CO Greeley Stampede
July 3 Milwaukee Summerfest
July 4 St. Louis Verizon Wireless Amph
July 5 Cleveland Blossom Music Center
July 6 Pittsburgh Amphitheater

Barbecue sauce KC Masterpiece and charcoal manufacturer Kingsford are sponsoring the tour.

The two brands will present the VIP Pre-Show Party where McGraw performs a private acoustic set prior to each show.

Labels: Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Blake Shelton releases "Home"

Multi-Platinum selling Warner Bros. recording artist Blake Shelton has just released his current single, "Home," to country radio. The song was originally written and recorded by Michael Buble.

"Home" will be available digitally at Amazon.com on February 1 as a digital single and also included on PURE BS. On February 5 it will be available digitally at all other digital retailers including iTunes and Rhapsody. The ringtone will be available via all carriers in early February.
On March 4 Blake Shelton: Collector’s Edition will be available in Wal-Mart only. The disc will not only include "Home" but also Shelton's mega-hits "Austin," "Ol' Red," "Nobody But Me," and "Some Beach."

Pure BS - Deluxe Edition, including "Home" and other unreleased material, will be available in stores this summer.

Labels: Blake Shelton

Dunn: 'Had to record' latest hit

Though he didn't write it, Ronnie Dunn says he knew the instant he heard their current hit "God Must Be Busy" that he and Kix Brooks had to record it.

"The song is so compelling and it's so real, it talks about things that are relevant to what we're all experiencing," Dunn said. "It's a song about one simple man's enduring faith and humility. He humbly acknowledges that his personal prayer seems small in light of the world's turmoil and tragedies, but also respects that God is always available to answer even the smallest of prayers."

"God Must Be Busy" is the second hit from Brooks & Dunn's Cowboy Town cd. The duo will perform at the pre-race ceremonies to kick-off the DAYTONA 500 in February.

Labels: Brooks and Dunn

Monday, January 28, 2008

Strait preparing new album, set for April release

Country's king George Strait is currently working on a new studio release, UMG Nashville representatives confirmed. The set is scheduled for a tentative release date of April 1.

The lead single "I Saw God Today" is expected at country radio on Feb. 4.

Strait, on tour with Little Big Town and Sarah Johns, is dealing with a bout of laryngitis. After the cancellation of 4 shows, Strait's tour will continue into early April.

His last studio album, It Just Comes Natural, is platinum.

Labels: George Strait

It's back to business for Billy Currington

After spending six months in therapy, Billy Currington says he "feels better than ever" and is ready to get back to the music.

Currington spent the second half of 2007 in a therapy center in Hawaii to treat and recover from mental abuse stemming from childhood abuse. Currington has said he was ill-treated by his step-father as a young child.

"My life was in an unhealthy place," Currington said. "I feel fortunate that I was in the right place to be able to take that short break and look at my inner self to begin a journey to fix what I felt was broken."

The singer's latest hit is "Good Directions." Perhaps his most famous song is his duet with singer Shania Twain.

Currington will continue to work on a new album, already in progress at the time he entered the rehabilitation clinic in Hawaii, and is set to go back on the road in May.

Labels: Billy Currington

Dixie Chicks are to add another baby chick

Dixie Chick Martie Maguire is pregnant, she told PEOPLE on the red carpet for the Nobelity Artists & Filmmakers Dinner in Austin to benefit the Nobelity Project Sunday.

"I'm very excited," Maguire, 38, says, adding, "We know what it is - it's a girl."

Maguire, 38, is married to Gareth Maguire, a professor. Their first children together were twin daughters Eva Ruth and Kathleen Emilie, who were born in April 2004. "I'm feeling good now, although I wasn't!" Maguire jokes. "Carrying one instead of two will be much easier."

In regard to the growing brood between her and the rest of the Dixies - Natalie Maines and Emily Robison – Maguire says, "We'll have to move over and let the little chicks take over! We've got a new band!

The Macguire's have two other girls: twins Eva and Kathleen.

Labels: Dixie Chicks

Friday, January 25, 2008

Carrie Underwood tapped for Grammy Awards

CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carrie Underwood will perform at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards it was announced yesterday. It is not known what Underwood will perform.

Underwood is featured in an ad campaign featuring country legend Tammy Wynette, a Grammy winner herself.

The Grammy Awards air Sun., Feb. 10, on CBS.

Nominated for two Grammy awards this year, Underwood is currently headlining her own tour as well as touring with Keith Urban. Her current single, "All-American Girl," is headed for the top 10 on Billboard. The video, which debuts on CMT this week, features Underwood in 31 different outfits.

Underwood's "Carnival Ride" is double platinum.

Labels: Carrie Underwood

Thursday, January 24, 2008

John Rich goes solo for '08 only

It was announced today that John Rich will release a solo project on Warner Bros. Records. Rich's solo album will be released in 2008.

"If anyone knows me, they know I'm always writing music," said Rich. "When we decided to take this year off so Kenny could focus on rehabilitation for a pre-existing injury, I asked Kenny if he was cool with me recording a solo project. I would only do this with Kenny's blessing. So, this year you can expect a solo record from me, but Big & Rich will be back in 2009!"

Rich's writing credits include Academy of Country Music Award winning single of the year, "Redneck Woman," along with Gretchen Wilson's other two hits, "When I Think About Cheatin'" and "Here For The Party," Faith Hill's smash single "Mississippi Girl," and Jason Aldean's single "Hicktown." In addition, he has written several other cuts for Hill, Martina McBride, Clay Walker, Aaron Tippin, Cowboy Troy, and Shannon Brown. Because of his contributions to the songwriting and music industry community, John was awarded the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He is the only artist to receive the award three years consecutively.

Rich and Kenny scored their first #1 hit as Big & Rich in 2007. Big & Rich's current single, "Loud" is currently climbing up the charts.

Labels: Big and Rich, John Rich

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Brooks & Dunn to headline DAYTONA 500 show

Brooks & Dunn will highlight the highly acclaimed Sprint Pre-Race Show before the most anticipated event in racing history - the historic 50th running of the DAYTONA 500.

The duo will perform "Hard Workin' Man" and their newest release "Proud of the House we Built" at the pre-race extravaganza which will air live before millions of national television viewers on FOX and more than 200,000 energized race fans on-site at historic Daytona International Speedway prior the NASCAR Race on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008.

Brooks & Dunn's latest single is "God Must Be Busy." The DAYTONA 500 is often referred to as the most prestigious race of the NASCAR season.

Labels: Brooks and Dunn

Joe Nichols talks about rehab stay, future on CMT Insider

Singer Joe Nichols has recently returned to the stage after a stay in a rehabilitation clinic. Nichols was suffering from substance abuse. He speaks exclusively with CMT's Katie Cook during this week's CMT Insider about his addiction to alcohol and how his life has changed.

"I couldn't think of anything to write, I couldn't play anything... but this song kept repeating over and over in my mind. It's the only song I could get through," says Nichols of the Merle Haggard song "If I Could Only Fly," which he recorded as a duet with Lee Ann Womack on his current album Real Things.

The first of the two-part interview airs Sat., Jan. 26, on CMT.

Labels: Joe Nichols

First Nelly, now Def Leppord for McGraw

Tim McGraw has a new prize to claim. He co-wrote Def Leppard's new single "Nine Lives" along with band members Phil Collen, Joe Elliot and Rick Savage.

The song is the first single from Def Leppard's forth-coming album, Songs From the Sparkle Lounge.

McGraw initiated the co-write idea three years ago through his long-time tour manager Robert Allen, brother of Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen. The actual collaboration process began a year later when McGraw sat in on their Hollywood Bowl show in 2006.

"We didn't start with any preconceived notions about the song," McGraw said. "Each of us brought something different to the table and we drew on each others influence to finish it out. They are simply one of the best rock bands ever and it was a great time working together."

McGraw is a current Grammy nominee as a songwriter for "If You're Reading This." He will be releasing a studio album later this year.

Labels: Tim McGraw

Monday, January 21, 2008

Brad Paisley scores another #1 hit

New daddy Brad Paisley has his sixth consecutive #1 hit on Billboard. The third single from his latest studio album 5th Gear is at #1 after 15 weeks on the chart.

Paisley has nine #1's on Billboard. His streak of six consecutive #1s ties Toby Keith for most consecutive #1s by a male in this decade.

The video for the song was filmed in and around Paisley's hometown of Glen Dale, WV. The single also went #1 in Canada.

5th Gear is certified Gold. Paisley is headlining his "Bonfires and Amplifiers" tour with Rodney Atkins and Chuck Wicks.

Labels: Brad Paisley

Thursday, January 17, 2008

SHeDAISY announces first hits package

Lyric Street Records will release The Best of SHeDAISY, the first hits package from multi-platinum selling artist SHeDAISY, on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008.

The collection includes twelve of SHeDAISY's biggest hits including the group's breakthrough "Little Good-Byes" as well as the lighthearted fan favorite "Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing," and the Desperate Housewives inspired "God Bless The American Housewife." Group member Kristyn Osborn co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks on the hits album.

Track Listing:
1. Little Good-byes
2. This Woman Needs
3. I Will.. But
4. Lucky 4 You (Tonight I'm Just Me)
5. Get Over Yourself
6. Mine All Mine
7. Passenger Seat
8. Come Home Soon
9. Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing
10. I'm Taking The Wheel
11. In Terms Of Love
12. God Bless The American Housewife

Labels: SHeDAISY

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Faith Hill has surgery, is recovering

Faith Hill has been recuperating from knee surgery, but that hasn't stopped her from recording several projects.

The surgery was the result of an old knee injury suffered while playing softball in high school and normal wear and tear over the years. Hill had to have her kneecap realigned.

"Who has time to slow down?" said Hill. "Doctors had told me to stay off my feet for a bit and now I'm following their rehab program. I intend to be back better and stronger."

Hill released her first greatest hits last fall. She plans on releasing a much-anticipated Christmas album later this year. She was the voice of NBC's "Sunday Night Football" this season.

Labels: Faith Hill

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Sara Evans, Maroon 5 to tape 'Crossroads'

Grammy-winning pop band Maroon 5 is heading to Nashville to tape the latest episode of CMT Crossroads with one of country's hottest superstars - multi-platinum artist and 2006 ACM Female Vocalist of the year, Sara Evans.

Maroon 5 and Sara Evans will perform their hit songs in front of an invitation only audience on January 29 in Nashville. The episode will premiere in May on CMT.

"I've been a Maroon 5 fan since their first single," says Evans. "I love Adam's voice so much and am extremely excited to do 'Crossroads' with them! I think it's going to be a blast and I can't wait!"

Maroon 5 is best known for their hit "Makes Me Wonder." Evans has several country #1 hits, including "Born To Fly" and "Suds In The Bucket."

Labels: Maroon 5, Sara Evans

Monday, January 14, 2008

Taylor Swift issues EP on iTunes, will tour with Rascal Flatts

Taylor Swift, who is enjoying her sixth consecutive week at #1 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart this week with "Our Song," will release a studio sessions EP cut exclusively for iTunes. The set, the first of iTunes new SoHo Sessions, will be available via the digital store tomorrow. You can purchase the album by clicking here.

The album features live acoustic versions of "Our Song," "Teardrops On My Guitar" and "A Place In This World." Swift performs eight total songs on the EP.

Swift's camp has also announced that she will join Lyric Street's Rascal Flatts on tour in 2008. Dates are not known.

After debuting in 2006, Swift has since burst onto the scene with "Our Song" making history on the Billboard chart. Her debut album has sold over two million copies.

The next single from Taylor, "Picture To Burn," goes for adds at country radio on Feb. 4.

Labels: Taylor Swift

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Eagles' Henley: Opry over Superbowl 'anyday'

The Eagles turned down an offer to perform at Super Bowl XLII, but they'd probably accept one to play on the Grand Ole Opry, singer Don Henley says. Henley told the AP "[Playing the Opry] would be an honor."

The legendary rock group released their first studio album in 28 years to much fanfare and press. The two-disc set, available only at Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com, has sold over 2 million copies in the United States and was the best selling country album of 2007.

The album's first single, "How Long," reached No. 24 on the country singles chart, their best showing since "Lyin' Eyes" went to No. 8 in 1975.

The second single, "Busy Being Fabulous," is due at radio this month and feels more pop than country, but Henley says the Eagles have always been a "musical mutt," influenced by all forms of American music.

"We don't sit down and calculate or target anything," he said. "It's hard enough just to write songs, and they come out in various ways. We've always done that. So it's not like this album is radically different."

The group performed on the CMA Awards for the first time ever in November.

Labels: Eagles

Friday, January 11, 2008

Sugarland's next stop: Europe and beyond

CMA Duo of the Year Sugarland will be heading abroad according to singer Jennifer Nettles. This will be the first international trip for the duo. The short tour will head to Europe and Australia.

"We're gonna go across the old pond, as it may be, and try to visit some other folks that love country music in the world," Nettles said. "We're gonna come back [to the U.S.] and do every fair and festival on the planet, so there are lots of plans to be enjoyed and fulfilled."

The duo is expected to release a new studio album this year.

Their latest single "Stay" is at #2 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart this week and was deemed the most-streamed video of 2007 on CMT.com

Labels: Sugarland

George Strait's latest is gold

One of the most celebrated artists in music history, George Strait has another accomplishment today. His latest release, 22 More Hits, is gold. This marks Strait's 36th certification.

The album is a compilation of familiar hits that didn't hit #1. It's a sister album to Strait's double-disc release 50 #1s. Included on the album are "Amarillo By Morning," "Fireman" and his first-ever top 10 hit "Unwound."

"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 number one on a chart. This album gave me the chance to include some of the fans other favorites and mine."

Strait is the sixth best selling artist in Soundscan history with 63 million albums sold. He is currently on tour with Sarah Johns and Little Big Town through early March.

Labels: George Strait, Little Big Town, Sarah Johns

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Dierks Bentley will begin recording album next month

After sending two songs to #1 and selling 500,000 copies of his last album, singer Dierks Bentley is working on a new project. Bentley expects to release the album this year.

The singer admits that his album must be "killer" in order to cope with falling album sales and rising digital single downloads.

"I'm just really trying to take my time to get everything right and get the best record, because you don't know how much longer albums are going to be made," Bentley said. "I took the songs back out on the road this fall and we've been putting a couple of those in the live show."

Capitol Nashville will send "Trying To Stop Your Leaving" from Long Trip Alone to radio on Jan. 28. Bentley is on tour this spring with dates already scheduled in February and March.

Labels: Dierks Bentley

Alabama's Owen begins solo career with new single

Alabama lead singer Randy Owen's solo career kicks into high gear with a new album in the works and a debut single, "Braid My Hair" set to hit the radio airwaves in two weeks. It will officially be at radio on Jan. 21.

"I'm as excited about this as I've ever been," Owen said. "Before I decided to do the solo thing, we put a band together and did some dates late last year to see if the fans were still out there. When I came back I was totally convinced we needed to do this."

Written by Chris Gray and Brent Wilson, "Braid My Hair" is the first song either writer has ever had released as a single. Gray had been a teacher in a children's hospital, helping the kids keep up with their schoolwork while they were in treatment for cancer and other conditions. He often witnessed the side effects of chemotherapy and knew kids - especially girls - wanted to be able to braid their hair again.

"I listened to the song four or five times and thought, 'Wow, what a song,'" Owen said. "The song is so real, and I've seen this lived out time and time again with the kids at St. Jude. It's an incredible story done in song."

Publishing royalties from the song will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Produced by John Rich, of Big & Rich fame, Owen's album - "One on One" - will hit stores this spring on the newly-formed DMP Records.

Labels: John Rich, Randy Owen

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Want to see Reba? Better hurry!

Representatives of the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour, starring entertainment superstars Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson, have announced that that a number of dates on the limited

engagement tour are officially sold out.

Five of the fifteen shows are at capacity: Wichita, KS; Tulsa, OK; St. Charles, MO; Rockford, IL; and Jonesboro, AR.

The 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour kicks off in Dayton, Ohio on Jan. 17th and concludes in Kansas City, MO on Feb. 16th. Steve Moore of AEG/MEG is the promoter of the tour.

"Public reaction was overwhelmingly positive and swift, with concert dates selling out within a matter of days," Moore said.

For further concert information fans can find out more by visiting www.reba.com or www.kellyclarkson.com

Labels: Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Garth Brooks signs on with NASCAR Day celebration

Garth Brooks will appear in a print, radio and television advertising campaign that will debut during the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17 in promotion of NASCAR's fifth annual "NASCAR Day." The announcement was made today at the Daytona International Speedway.

Past celebrity supporters for NASCAR Day include Will Ferrell and Kelly Clarkson.

"It's an honor to have Garth serve as the face of our 2008 NASCAR Day campaign," NASCAR

President Mike Helton said. "We are thrilled to have someone of Garth Brooks' magnitude. He will be a great ambassador for NASCAR fans, NASCAR Day and the NASCAR Foundation."

During the past five years, nearly $5 million has been raised to help those who need it most in a celebration as unique as the sport itself. NASCAR Day, celebrated annually on the third Friday in May, is an opportunity for fans, corporations, schools and organizations across the country to donate $5 to the NASCAR Foundation to raise funds for its Family of Charities in an effort to help thousands of children live better lives.

Brooks says no concerts are planned at this point but didn't rule out the possibility of performing in conjunction with the NASCAR Day activities.

"We tried to do something for Daytona this year, but that didn't work out," Brooks said. If we do get to play, it's for charity, which, truthfully, is what the gift was given to me for anyway. We don't have any plans at this time."

Brooks created his own foundation 10 years ago, Teammates For Kids, which partners with major professional sports to support health, education and inner-city services for children.

Labels: Garth Brooks

Urban, Kidman parents to be

Keith Urban and wife Nicole Kidman are expecting their first child together, representatives for the couple confirmed. The couple are "thrilled."

This will be Kidman's third child but first natural child. She has two adopted daughters from her previous marriage with Tom Cruise. Urban is a first time dad.

The couple have been married 18 months.

Labels: Keith Urban

Monday, January 7, 2008

BREAKING: Kidman is expecting

A spokesperson for Keith Urban confirms the singer and wife Nicole Kidman are expecting a child. An announcement is to be released shortly.

Stay tuned to Country On-Demand. For breaking news as it happens, join our Newsletter!

Labels: Keith Urban

Underwood announces second tour for '08

Grammy nominee Carrie Underwood has just announced a headline concert tour with 30-plus shows that will launch in February 2008, the "Carnival Ride Tour." Joining her as special

guest is Josh Turner. As announced previously, Underwood will also co-headline dates with Keith Urban on the "Love, Pain & the whole crazy Carnival Ride Tour," which kicks off Jan. 31, 2008.

"I'm so excited to be hitting the road and doing the full show of my music that I have always dreamt of doing," Underwood said. "I have been so fortunate to learn from so many other great artists while touring with them, and they have inspired me in so many ways.

"They have helped me to get to this stage of my first real headline shows, and now I finally feel ready. I can't wait to travel throughout the U.S. and Canada and see all my fans."

The first round of "Carnival Ride Tour" dates go on sale this Saturday, January 12, with more dates to be announced soon.

Feb 18 Wikes-Barre, PA / Wachovia Arena
Feb 19 Albany, NY / Times Union Center
Feb 20 Amherst, MA / Mullins Center
Feb 22 Pittsburgh, PA / Petersen Events Center
Feb 24 Providence, RI / Dunkin Donuts Center
Feb 25 Bridgeport, CT / Arena at Harbor Yard

Labels: Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner, Keith Urban

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Janney prepping for Parton musical

Despite the on-going writer's strike, Allison Janney is gearing up to begin rehearsals for Dolly Parton's stage musical version of 9 to 5, in which she will be playing the part portrayed by Lily Tomlin, her co-star from The West Wing.

"Lily is thrilled that I'm doing it," Janney said. "I'm doing my singing and dancing lessons and getting myself in shape."

Parton wrote the adapation for the on-stage production. The play will include new songs penned by the country hall-of-famer. One of the songs, "Backwoods Barbie," is the title track to her new studio album due in stores Feb. 5.

The production will kick off in Los Angeles in September before maybe moving to Broadway.

Labels: Dolly Parton

Friday, January 4, 2008

Twain still Soundscan #1, working on album

Shania Twain still has the best selling album in the Soundscan era (1991-present). Her 1997 album Come On Over has sold 15,449,000 copies since its release. It is certified at 20x platinum.

The album sold 41,000 units in 2007. It is the best selling country album of all time and the best selling female album of all time. Twain ranks at #10 in Soundscan's list of all-time best sellers with 33 million units sold.

Twain is currently working on a new studio album. Both her label and management responded to a recent rumor posted by On-Demand, stating that a May release for Twain was "false." A spokesperson from Q-Prime Management said "she is still writing and has not recorded. At this time, we have no time-line for any release."

Twain's last studio release was in 2002. She is the only artist in music history to have back-to-back-to-back albums be certified diamond for shipments of 10 million copies.

Labels: Shania Twain

Phil Stacey ready to make country debut

American Idol season 6 finalist Phil Stacey will release his debut single, "If You Didn't Love Me," to country radio on Monday, Jan. 7. The track, written by Wendell Mobley, Jason Sellers and Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox, is Stacey's upcoming debut CD, scheduled for release in April 2008. Stacey is signed to Lyric Street Records.

"I'm so excited to have found this song and that it'll be my very first single," Stacey said. "The lyrics of the song mean a lot to me because it's a great love song that everyone can relate to and I feel like it tells the story of my marriage. Having her there made everything so much easier and put joy into everything we went through. I don't know where I'd be today without her."

Following his time on American Idol, Phil toured with his fellow contestants over the summer on a 55 city tour before moving to Nashville with wife Kendra and their two daughters to pursue his country music career.

Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington and Josh Gracin also got their starts on "Idol" before becoming country stars.

Labels: American Idol, Bucky Covington, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Phil Stacey

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Paisley not a fan of making movies

Brad Paisley is known for making elaborate music videos. The videos for "I'm Gonna Miss Her," "Celebrity" and "Online" feature fellow celebrities and his current video, "Letter To Me," takes the singer back to his high school days. Just because he makes mini-movie videos doesn't mean Paisley enjoys the process.

"I don't like how [the director] tells you what to wear, what to say, where to stand or how to look," said Paisley. "I'm the least interested in acting of any artist I know of. As much as I love the end result, I hate the process."

Paisley's "Letter To Me" is inside Billboard's top 10. His album 5th Gear is Grammy nominated.

Labels: Brad Paisley

Underwood on a roll

After conquering country music in 2006 and 2007, what more could a girl ask for? How about conquering 2008? Carrie Underwood is poised to do just that.

Her second single from her double-platinum album Carnival Ride is already in the top 20 on Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart after just five weeks on the chart. Underwood is also set to put two songs in the top 30 on the Christian AC chart - "I'll Stand By You" and "So Small." Her album moved over 70,000 copies this week, according to Soundscan.

Underwood goes into the Grammys with several nominations - "Before He Cheats" is likely to take Country Song of The Year. It did, after all, spend five weeks at #1 on country radio, cross over to pop radio and sold over 2 million digital copies.

One more note about Carrie - she's GAC's Artist of the Month. GAC's website features exclusive video from the star, including video from when she won "American Idol." And GAC competitor CMT announced yesterday that Carrie had three of its most streamed videos. Underwood has #2, 3 and 5.

You can catch Underwood on tour with Keith Urban.

Labels: Carrie Underwood

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Next for Garth? Cable TV

Time Warner Cable today announced a special "Music On Demand" category dedicated to Garth Brooks, proving that he not only has friends in low places, but friends all over the place. Beginning on January 1, 2008, the Garth Brooks on demand category will feature an exclusive interview as well as live performances and videos from Garth's upcoming Ultimate Hits CD.

"I am happy that Garth fans will have instant access to our videos on Music On Demand," Brooks said.

The content, which will be available between January 1 and February 29, 2008, includes 14 videos from his upcoming album, backstage footage from a recent concert in Kansas City and an exclusive interview where Garth talks about his music and influences. Time Warner Cable customers can access the Garth Brooks category from the Music On Demand menu.

Videos include "Friends In Low Places," "The Thunder Rolls," "Wrapped Up In You" and the recent "More Than A Memory."

Labels: Garth Brooks

Trace and Trump debut tomorrow night

NBC's "The Celebrity Apprentice," which was previously scheduled to premiere on Thursday, Jan. 10, will now debut on tomorrow night, Jan. 3. Check local listings.

For its seventh season, "The Celebrity Apprentice" returns to New York City as Donald Trump welcomes an all-star celebrity lineup of candidates who will work to raise over $1 million for various charities.

Trace Adkins and 13 other celebrity candidates go head-to-head for their favorite charities. Adkins is representing the Food Allergy Nanflalex Network. He notes he chose that organization because his six-year-old daughter Brianna suffers from food allergies.

Labels: Trace Adkins

Thursday, January 31, 2008

McGraw to headline own tour

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Blake Shelton releases "Home"

Dunn: 'Had to record' latest hit

Monday, January 28, 2008

Strait preparing new album, set for April release

It's back to business for Billy Currington

Dixie Chicks are to add another baby chick

Friday, January 25, 2008

Carrie Underwood tapped for Grammy Awards

Thursday, January 24, 2008

John Rich goes solo for '08 only

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Brooks & Dunn to headline DAYTONA 500 show

Joe Nichols talks about rehab stay, future on CMT Insider

First Nelly, now Def Leppord for McGraw

Monday, January 21, 2008

Brad Paisley scores another #1 hit

Thursday, January 17, 2008

SHeDAISY announces first hits package

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Faith Hill has surgery, is recovering

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Sara Evans, Maroon 5 to tape 'Crossroads'

Monday, January 14, 2008

Taylor Swift issues EP on iTunes, will tour with Rascal Flatts

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Eagles' Henley: Opry over Superbowl 'anyday'

Friday, January 11, 2008

Sugarland's next stop: Europe and beyond

George Strait's latest is gold

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Dierks Bentley will begin recording album next month

Alabama's Owen begins solo career with new single

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Want to see Reba? Better hurry!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Garth Brooks signs on with NASCAR Day celebration

Urban, Kidman parents to be

Monday, January 7, 2008

BREAKING: Kidman is expecting

Underwood announces second tour for '08

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Janney prepping for Parton musical

Friday, January 4, 2008

Twain still Soundscan #1, working on album

Phil Stacey ready to make country debut

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Paisley not a fan of making movies

Underwood on a roll

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Next for Garth? Cable TV

Trace and Trump debut tomorrow night

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