After a mishap on the hydraulic lift being used for the entrance of Kenny Chesney's 2008 Poets & Pirates Tour's stadium shows, where his boot was lodged between the lift and the stage for nearly 40 seconds as the lift motor kept trying to push the platform up, Chesney has been given a green light - with conditions - to play his scheduled concert stops this weekend in Texas, his doctor said today.

"Dr. Elrod got that the last thing I want to do is cancel shows, but also that I don't want any kind of lasting damage because being able to hit that stage and really rock the fans is important to me," Chesney said. "He told me it's going to hurt and they can give me something to deaden the pain when I get out there."

Chesney will be required to have a doctor at the ready and will tape up his foot before going on stage. He received two shots of morphine in his foot after his show on Saturday.

"Hearing that crowd in Columbia this weekend, they reminded me about the power people's passion for music has," Chesney said about why he didn't stop the show. "You know, the way people respond to songs, that response is every bit as powerful sometimes as the songs themselves."

Chesney played his entire 100-minute set after the accident.

Labels: Kenny Chesney

As Kenny Chesney made his entrance into the University of South Carolina stadium before 44,000 fans, something went terribly wrong. His right foot got caught between the elevator platform he was riding and the stage. He immediately dropped his mic and began pounding on the floor, trying to get the operator to lower the platform while trying to extricate his foot. Chesney was stuck for 45-60 seconds, while excruciating pain was written all over his face.

The show continued, however, and after the second song Chesney told the crowd, "I saw you in the parking lots today getting ready for us, and this is nothing a broken foot is going to stop." Incredibly, he didn't come off the stage even once during the two-hour show. He hobbled across the expansive stage on only the heel of his right boot and, occasionally, hopped around on his left foot alone. At one point he climbed on Uncle Kracker's back and was carried to the furthest reaches of the double-T shaped stage to the great delight of the crowd, who never really seemed to grasp just how hurt he was.

A University of South Carolina orthopedic surgeon met Chesney on his bus immediately after the show where he was treated before being taken to a local hospital. The initial diagnosis indicates that at the very least the outermost toe on his right foot is broken. Expect a full update tomorrow morning from Chesney's label and or management.

Labels: Kenny Chesney

The First Annual Miranda Lambert "Cause for the Paws" benefit raised approximetly $113,000 for the Humane Society of East Texas last Saturday. It will be the major fundraiser for the shelter each year.

Lambert, an animal lover and Lindale native, chose the Humane Society of East Texas as her charity and has been a supporter for several years. Her terrier Delilah was adopted from the Humane Society in 2007.

"'Cause for the Paws' was a huge success for so many reasons!" said Lambert on her website. "Delilah and I felt so honored to be a part of it and a heartfelt thank you goes out those that bought tickets, the sponsors and everyone who contributed in any way to help the abused and abandoned animals of East Texas."

The event included a silent auction featuring items from friends Blake Shelton, Adam Hood and Kacey Musgraves. They also performed at the event.

Activities at Miranda Lambert's First Annual "Cause for the Paws" Wine Tasting Festival included a silent and live auction, food and wine tasting, a Meet and Mingle VIP private cocktail party for sponsors of the event and a concert with the four entertainers. Miranda's "bus buddy", Delilah, who is a Humane Society of East Texas alumnus, was also on hand.

Labels: Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert

After wrapping up one of country's hottest tours, Soul2Soul 2007, with his wife Faith Hill, Tim McGraw began planning a busy year. 2008 will feature a cologne, book, movie and new studio album.

Starting next week, Frito's Lays will introduce a limited line of chips flavored "McGraw's Spicy Jalapeño" that will be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores. Frito's will release a special tin in the fall that will feature a behind-the-scenes DVD from McGraw's "Live Your Life Tour," which Frito's sponsors. The chip line will feature TV and print ads that will run throughout the country.

Also in the late summer, McGraw and Coty Fragrances will launch "McGraw by Tim McGraw." It will be the singer's first cologne line. Industry estimates show that the fragrance is projected to take in almost $40 million in North America during its first year of release.

The fragrance launch will be followed by McGraw's first published book in October and his second major movie in November. The book, My Little Girl, is about father-child relationships and will feature a forward by Hill. His studio album is expected sometime in the fall.

McGraw made history this week when he went #1 with Def Leppard on the rock charts. It marks the first time a country act has done so, and the song, which McGraw co-wrote, is his 30th #1 hit on Billboard.

Labels: Faith Hill, Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw has just racked up the 30th #1 single of his career with "Nine Lives," the song he performed on and co-wrote with Def Leppard members Phil Collen, Joe Elliot and Rick Savage.

The tune is the lead single from Def Leppard's Songs From the Sparkle Lounge album and it landed at #1 on the Billboard/RR Classic Rock chart this week. He also became the first country artist to chart on the Billboard/RR Active Rock Singles chart, where the single is top 15 and climbing.

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.

This is not the first time McGraw has charted songs in other genres of music. His 2005 hit with Nelly, "Over And Over," remained at #1 for twelve weeks on Billboard's Mainstream Top 40 chart and he was the first country artist to chart on the Billboard Hip Hop/Rap Singles Chart.

McGraw is expected to release a new studio album this year.

Labels: Tim McGraw

ACM Top New Male nominee Luke Bryan sat down recently with Bill Cody to discuss his first-ever ACM nomination. Catch Luke on GAC's ACM Showcase Monday, April 28 (8 pm ET).

Luke kicks off his first-ever stadium show this weekend for Kenny Chesney Saturday night in Columbia, SC. Look for Luke on several more Kenny Chesney dates this summer including stops in Chicago, IL and Pittsburgh, PA. "Country Man" - Luke's new single is rising fast on the Country charts.

Building on its reputation as a welcome home for country music artists, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. will be the exclusive home of Aaron Tippin's newest CD entitled He Believed. On sale at all Cracker Barrel locations beginning May 6, He Believed features six classic tracks and six recently recorded songs, including the title song which is Tippin's incredibly moving tribute to his father.

"Although this CD is dedicated to my Dad, I hope it speaks to everyone who has had a mentor like he was to me," says Tippin. "I am grateful to Cracker Barrel for believing in me and this music. I am honored to partner up with Cracker Barrel on this project that is so dear to my heart."

Tippin and wife Thea wrote several of the recently recorded songs on this record, including He Believed. The song is a touching story inspired by the unexpected death of Aaron's father in 2005. He Believed also features six of Aaron’s top recordings including "Working Man's PHD," "Whole Lotta Love On The Line" and "I Got It Honest."

"Cracker Barrel is pleased to work with an artist who shares our opinion that integrity and being of service to others is important," says Peter Keiser, Cracker Barrel's Vice President of Marketing. "Working with Aaron on this very special CD project has been an honor and a pleasure."

In the last year, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive recordings by Alabama, Lonestar, Josh Turner and Merle Haggard.

Labels: Aaron Tippin

Shania Twain has increased her lead as the best-selling country female of all time by 2 million units, according to the RIAA. Twain's "Greatest Hits," her best-of set released in 2004, has now been certified quadruple platinum for sales of four million units. Soundscan reports the album has actually sold 3.7 million copies.

With the latest certification, Twain has now sold 48 million albums in the United States. That places her #6 all-time among females, behind Barbara Streisand, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. Reba McEntire is #2 behind Twain for best selling female in country music, with 40.5 million units sold.

Twain's 1997 "Come On Over" album is the best selling country album and best selling female album of all time. It is also the best selling album since 1990, according to Soundscan. It is certified two-time diamond for sales of over 20 million copies. It is estimated that Twain has sold over 70 million records world-wide.

A new studio album is expected from Twain this year.

Labels: Reba McEntire, Shania Twain

Nashville, TN - April 23, 2008 - ACM Top New Group nominees Lady Antebellum have landed at the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart and #4 on the Billboard pop chart with over 43,000 of their self-titled debut album sold in its first-week. In addition, they sold 9,029 as digital albums, comprising 21% of their sales total. Lady Antebellum is also the first brand new country band to debut in the Top 10 on the overall iTunes album chart, at one point reaching #3 behind Mariah Carey and Tristan Prettyman.

"What an amazing time this has been so far," said Charles Kelley. "We've been embraced by so many people since we came on to the scene - country radio, CMT, GAC, the media. It's a great feeling to be able to share this with all of them. Thanks to everyone who has been there and believed in us. ROCK ON."

"There are really no words to describe how blessed we feel," said Hillary Scott. "The belief and support we've been given from everyone, from our fans, country radio, iTunes, iLike, Zune, Yahoo! and other digital media partners, as well as our own team has been what has gotten us to the starting line and will keep us in the race."

"Wow. Thank you is all I can say," said Dave Haywood. "As the saying goes, 'it takes a village' and I'm the first to tell you that we have the best village of people around us who makes these things happen. It's a beautiful day."

In the last week, Lady Antebellum has worked tirelessly to make sure their fans knew the album was in stores - crisscrossing the country visiting radio stations; signing for hours after late night club shows in Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis; being up at the crack of dawn to perform on local market television, and putting in hours of interview time setting up the features and album reviews that ran in the various
media across the country.

Labels: Lady Antebellum

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 23, 2008 - Platinum selling artists, Little Big Town, today announced that they will sign a multi-album recording contract with Capitol Records Nashville. As part of this deal, Capitol announces that they will also acquire the band's two previous records, originally released on Equity Records, the 1.3 million selling, Grammy-nominated The Road To Here, as well as A Place To Land, which was just released in November. Capitol will assume the marketing and promotion of A Place To Land, and will be releasing a new single to country radio immediately.

"We have admired Little Big Town, their unique blend of vocal harmonies, and their proclivity to write and record hit records for many years", said Mike Dungan, President and CEO of Capitol Records Nashville. "With their great live shows, and warm, approachable personalities, these four people have become engrained into the hearts and minds of country music fans everywhere. They are poised to explode, and we are ecstatic about the possibilities, and humbled and honored to have been chosen to represent them and their music."

"We've been so impressed with the whole team at Capitol and the leadership of Mike Dungan that we felt like this was the right home for the band and our music," said Little Big Town's Phillip Sweet.

Little Big Town joins a strong Capitol Nashville roster that represents Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Chris Cagle, Eric Church, Jedd Hughes, Lady Antebellum, Ashley Ray, Kenny Rogers, Darius Rucker, Cyndi Thomson and Emily West.

Little Big Town released Platinum-selling record, The Road to Here, in 2005 which included Gold Digital Certified, "Boondocks." In 2006, the foursome landed two Grammy nominations including Best Country Album for The Road to Here and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for "Boondocks". Billboard Magazine also named them Independent Artist of the Year and named The Road to Here Independent Album of the Year. In 2007, they were awarded Academy of Country Music's Top New Vocal Group. The critically-acclaimed A Place to Land, was released last fall. Little
Big Town has toured extensively with Martina McBride and also joined George Strait on his sold-out arena tour this year. To catch up with the band and learn more visit www.littlebigtown.com.

Labels: Little Big Town

CMT's new series "Can You Duet?" became the network's highest-rated original series debut ever following its Monday, April 14 premiere, averaging 1.4 million impressions, with 736,000 of those falling in the key 18-49 demo. Auditions continued in episode two which premiered Friday, April 18, and the series to-date has seen by some 12 million total viewers cumulative over the course of its premiere airing and weekend encores.

From "American Idol" producers FremantleMedia North America, "Can You Duet?" features thousands of country star hopefuls in the quest to become country's next great duo and the winner of a Sony BMG Nashville recording contract. The 11-episode music competition series stars host Rossi Morreale who leads a panel of celebrity and expert judge/mentors, including country superstar Naomi Judd, acclaimed vocal coach Brett Manning and award-winning songwriter Aimee Mayo. New one-hour episodes premiere every Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET on CMT.

Labels: CMT

Toby Keith will soon return to the Persian Gulf region to perform for the troops as part of a USO entertainment tour. Participating in what will be his sixth USO tour, Keith plans to visit small, remote forward operating bases, greet newly deployed service members and perform 18 shows in 6 days. He will also sign autographs, pose for pictures and express his gratitude to America's armed forces.

"There's no denying I am definitely busy these days but no matter how busy I am, I always make the time to visit our nation's troops," said Keith. "They all mean a lot to me and my trips overseas to visit them is what I look forward to every year. I only wish everyone had the opportunity to travel with the USO as it's been the experience of a lifetime for me."

Keith has repeatedly visited troops and has worked with the USO since 2002, performing over 100 shows, traveling to more than 10 countries multiple times and entertaining more than 100,000 service members.

Labels: Toby Keith

The Academy of Country Music today announced that country music superstars Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, and Montgomery Gentry will perform as part of the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The ceremony honoring country music's top talent and the industry's hottest emerging talent will be broadcast live from MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18th, 2008 at 8:00 PM live ET on the CBS Television Network.

They join previously announced performers Rodney Atkins, Dolly Parton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. The show will be hosted by Reba McEntire.

Fresh from his appearance on "The Celebrity Apprentice" two-time Academy nominee Trace Adkins is also confirmed to perform. His current single "You're Gonna Miss This" was #1 for three weeks on the Billboard Country charts. He will release his next studio album later this fall.

Fourteen-time Top Vocal Duo winners Brooks & Dunn are nominated for the seventeenth time in the same category. They are currently on tour promoting their album Cowboy Town, which debuted at #4 on the charts. Brooks & Dunn have the highest number of ACM wins of any nominee ever, with 24 awards.

Last year's Top New Female Vocalist Miranda Lambert is nominated for three awards including Top Female Vocalist, Single of the Year for "Famous In A Small Town," and Album of the Year for her #1 selling album Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, for which Lambert co-wrote 8 of the 11 songs. Her nominated hit, "Famous in a Small Town," is her highest charting single to date.

Montgomery Gentry are also nominated for Top Vocal Duo. This June they release their eagerly awaited studio album Back When I Knew It All, the follow-up to Some People Change which delivered three back-to-back Top 5 singles, including the #1 "Lucky Man." Their new single "Back When I Knew It All" is currently the duo's fastest rising to date and already a Top 20 hit.

The 43rd Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 8:00 PM live ET on the CBS Television Network.

Labels: Brooks and Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Trace Adkins

If Taylor Swift didn't get enough excitement this week with her two Country Music Television awards, she got another shot when she learned she'd be on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine's "The Best of Rock 2008" issue.

"Am I dreaming? Somebody pinch me, because I cannot believe what has happened this week!" Swift told The Associated Press on Friday, the day the magazine hit newsstands.

"To say it's overwhelming does not even cover it. I was so blown away by such an incredible night at the CMT awards, and then to find out the next day that I'm on the cover of Rolling Stone with Madonna, Bono and Springsteen! No way. I am completely in awe."

Swift is the only country artist included in the magazine's "Best of Rock" issue.

"The 18-year-old country-pop sensation -- a one-time Abercrombie and Fitch model raised on a Christmas tree farm in rural Pennsylvania -- is equally appealing to tween girls (who can relate to TRL-dominating songs like 'Teardrops on My Guitar') and grown men (those legs)," reads the article under the heading "Best Country Lolita."

"I don't care how people look at me," Swift told Rolling Stone. "As long as they look at me."

At Monday's CMT awards, Swift won video of the year and female video for her smash "Our Song," a tune she wrote in the 9th grade for a talent show.

She leads the field of female nominees for next month's Academy of Country Music Awards with three nominations: top female vocalist, album of the year and top new female vocalist.

Swift's 2006 self-titled debut, on which she wrote or co-wrote all 11 songs, has sold nearly 3 million copies.

Labels: Taylor Swift

In just nine days since ticket sales began, the fourth annual "Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids," bowling bash, presented by GAC, and benefiting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, has sold out.

This year, Lonestar's St. Jude bowling bash will be held on Monday, June 2nd at the Hermitage Lanes in Hermitage, Tennessee. Lonestar called on some of their friends, some of the biggest names in country music, to join them for the annual event. Those scheduled to bowl with Lonestar include Trace Adkins, Jo Dee Messina, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, American Idol's Bo Bice, Josh Gracin and Diana DeGarmo, Trent Tomlinson, Joe Nichols, Jamie O'Neal, Darryl Worley, Chuck Wicks, Bryan White, Chris Young, Ty Herndon, Heidi Newfield and Crystal Shawanda.

This year's sell-out marks the fourth consecutive year the event has been a major success. Since Lonestar founded the annual event in 2004, it has sold out every year and has generated more than $70,000 for St. Jude.

"Knowing that this thing is already sold out is huge!" says Lonestar's founding member, Dean Sams. "I've got a gut feeling that this year's proceeds will beat out everything we've raised in the past!"

Those that have already purchased their tickets will be admitted into the event, enjoy dinner at the Hermitage Lanes and will be included in the random drawing for a chance to play on one of the celebrity bowling teams. For each artist in attendance, four lucky fans will be drawn at random to play in the games with their favorite country music stars.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to place bids in a silent auction, which will include signed photos, CD’s and merchandise from some of the biggest stars in country music!

The "Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids" bowling bash is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. (CST) with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. (CST).

Labels: Lonestar

George Strait, The King of Country Music, has more #1 hits in a single chart format than any other recording artist, including all genres of music. As "I Saw God Today" sits at the #1 spot on Billboard/R&R, one should take notice that it's been a great few weeks for George Strait. His 37th album, Troubadour, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and now he has an unprecedented total of 56 #1 singles to his name.

"I would just like to say thanks to all my fans out there," says Strait. "To have a number one record is very special, whether it's your first or one of many. 'I Saw God Today' is a beautifully written song which reaches very tender places in many people's hearts. I would like to thank Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, and Wade Kirby and congratulate them on the success of their efforts in writing this great song. God Bless You All."

Luke Lewis, Chairman of UMG Nashville, states, "All of us at Universal Music Group are proud to be associated with George Strait. It is a privilege to work with him at a time when his work has put him in the Hall Of Fame and he continues to shatter every record in the book."

"George Strait is one of music's most consistent hitmakers for a reason - he knows a hit song when he hears one and he only sings it if it fits him," reports Billboard Magazine and Entertainment Weekly proclaims, "George Strait is the most reliable record-maker and biggest one-man hit factory in any genre of music." USA Today calls Strait a "Singer's Singer" and Rolling Stone says, "the hit single 'I Saw God Today' is one example of why folks call Strait 'King George' - although this monarch is a uniter, not a divider."

Labels: George Strait

Make room on your wall, Brad. You've got another plaque coming. This week the RIAA certified 5th Gear platinum for sales of one million units. According to Soundscan, the album has moved 985,160 units since its release.

The album features three #1 hits, "Ticks," "Online" and "Letters To Me," and Paisley's current hit "I'm Still A Guy." It was released June 19, 2007. Gear is Paisley's fifth studio album for Arista Nashville.

Paisley has sold 7.5 million records since his debut record in 1999. He has 10 #1s on Billboard's country charts. His "Paisley Party Tour" runs through the summer.

Labels: Brad Paisley

Superstar Toby Keith will kick off his "Biggest & Baddest Tour" yet when he takes to the road this June. Only a handful of dates have been announced thus far. Montgomery Gentry and fellow Show Dog Records artists Mica Roberts and Trailer Choir will join Keith. The tour will be sponsored by long-time Keith partner Ford Motor Co.

Keith will release 35 Biggest Hits in May. Montgomery Gentry has announced a new studio album due in stores in June.

Birmingham, AL June 19, 2008 Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Charlotte, NC June 20, 2008 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Raleigh, NC June 21, 2008 Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
West Palm Beach, FL June 27, 2008 Cruzan Amphitheatre
Tampa, FL June 28, 2008 Ford Amphitheatre
Phoenix, AZ July 10, 2008 Cricket Pavilion
Craven, SK July 13, 2008 Craven County Jamboree
St. Louis, MO July 31, 2008 Verizon Wireless Ampitheater

Labels: Montgomery Gentry, Toby Keith

Carrie Underwood is partnering with Vitamin Water, following in the tradition of 50 Cent and Lebron James.

"I have a hectic schedule and Vitamin Water really helps to keep me going," said Underwood. "I like to have a lot of energy on stage, and since Vitamin energy happens to be my favorite flavor, I'm thrilled to have my name on it."

Underwood is co-creating a limited-edition label for Vitamin energy, which will be available in stores this summer. The label will speak about Underwood's endorsement for vitamin water and feature facts that people may not know about Underwood.

Underwood will be featured in commercials out this summer.

"Carrie epitomizes what vitamin water stands for - healthy living, great personality, natural talent and lots of energy," said Rohan Oza, senior vice president of marketing, Glaceau Vitamin Water. "We are proud to be the first brand to figure out how to bottle Carrie Underwood's energy."

Labels: Carrie Underwood

After enjoying the ride of their biggest year yet, Sugarland has just wrapped up recording their third album. Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush realize that, while past the "sophomore slump" fears, impressing their fans for a third time can be tricky. But Bush says they're confident the fans will love this new one just as much, even though it has a bit of a different sound.

"I would say that we've definitely crested into a brave new world," Bush said.. "I'm in awe of this record. I'm just shocked. I keep listening to it going, 'I can't believe it's us.'"

Bush says that he and Nettles drew on their musical influences, from Juice Newton to Rod Stewart to R.E.M., to create the new record. "It's pretty diverse," he says. "It's a beautiful record, and it's fun."

Sugarland's new album is expected in September. There's no word yet on its title. The band has been playing three of the new tracks in their live shows and is expected to debut the first single at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May.

Sugarland's two albums are both multi-platinum. Their last hit was "Stay" from Enjoy the Ride.

Labels: Sugarland

Tim McGraw will release a special limited edition combo pack of both his greatest hits CD's on
April 29. The release will be available only at Wal-Mart with a unique price point of $11.88.

The package will contain both Tim McGraw Reflected: Hits Vol 2, originally released in April 2006, as well as Greatest Hits, released in December 2000. Both albums debuted at #1 on the country albums chart. These original releases contain twenty-one #1 hits and have sold 7.5 million copies.

Since his career launched in 1993, McGraw has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and placed a total of 30 singles at #1.

Included in the package are hits like "Down on the Farm," "Something Like That," "Live Like You Were Dying," and "I Need You."

Labels: Tim McGraw

Willie Nelson was rated #2 in Billboard's list of most "green" artists in the music industry. Nelson received the nod in part for his BioWillie biodiesel fuel which is already sold in Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, California and Tennessee.

Nelson is preparing to open a truck stop, named Willie's Place at Carl's Corner, in Texas, which is said to be the biggest green truck stop in the United States. The facility will include 13 islands and 26 pumps, and all fuel sold there will have some percentage of biofuel, ranging from 5% to 85%. The facility will feature two restaurants, a saloon, gift shop, a 750-seat performance hall and an XM Satellite Radio studio.

Nelson says the fuel is catching on with truckers. "I talk to all the truckers going up and down the highway, and they tell me they use it, they like it, it's good for the engines and they get good gas mileage," he says. "Truckers have been the ones who have spread the word about biodiesel as much as anybody."

Labels: Willie Nelson

The Academy of Country Music and The Home Depot announced today that multi-platinum country music group Rascal Flatts will be the 2008 recipient of the Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award, to be presented during the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony honoring country music's best and hottest emerging talent. The show will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18, at 8:00 PM live ET on the CBS Television Network.

In its seventh year, the Humanitarian Award recognizes country music artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the dreams of those in need. The members of Rascal Flatts - Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney - were selected by a special blue-ribbon committee comprised of executives in the country music industry as well as local and national philanthropic leaders for their ongoing community service and charitable giving of their time and talent.

"We have been blessed with some incredible successes in our career the past couple of years," said Rooney. "The most rewarding thing for us is the opportunity to give back to our communities. We'd like to thank The Home Depot and the Academy for recognizing us in such a humbling way."

As the recipient of the Humanitarian Award, Rascal Flatts will receive a beautiful crystal trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. during the live CBS telecast. They will also be honored with a playground donated by The Home Depot and the Company's national nonprofit partner KaBOOM!, which envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. The playground will be built by The Home Depot volunteers and community members in the city of Rascal Flatts' choice. Past recipients of the Humanitarian Award include Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Neal McCoy and Reba McEntire.

"The Humanitarian Award embodies the kind of giving spirit that the Academy strives to foster within the industry," said Bob Romeo, executive director of the Academy of Country Music. "The selfless giving to others by artists like Rascal Flatts helps bring that spirit to life, and makes us so proud to be part of the country music community."

"Philanthropy and giving back are embedded in The Home Depot culture and are at the core of the Humanitarian Award," said John Ross, vice president of advertising for The Home Depot. "The members of Rascal Flatts show a true dedication to charitable giving and community service and exemplify the values represented by both The Home Depot and the Academy of Country Music. We are proud to recognize them for their contributions and impact on improving our local communities."

Labels: Academy of Country Music, Rascal Flatts

Country On-Demand regrets posting an article with error yesterday. The Larry King Cardiac Foundation sent out a press release that stated that Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, and others would be performing at this year's gala. The release was corrected to say that McGraw and Twain had previously participated in the Foundation's annual gala event. Twain is not expected at this year's event. We regret the error and confusion regarding the story.

Perhaps CMT knew what it was doing when it asked Hanna Montana to host its 2008 music awards. This year's show had over 35% more watchers over last year's show. For CMT, it gets better.

The audience stayed with the whole show, a problem for the ACMs and CMAs in past years, receiving an average 9.1 million viewers. The red carpet preview show, hosted by CMT's Katie Cook and Lance Smith, doubled its viewers and CMT.com set a record with over 26 million hits on Monday. The show was streamed live on the website.

CMT also gave $70,000 to charities as part of its "One Country" initiative. The winners of each award received a donation of $2,500. Charities benefiting include St. Jude's Children Hospital and the Nashville Humane Society. The full list is available here.

CMT launched its new series "Can You Duet?" following the show and it became the highest debuting show in CMT history. The show is produced by the makers of "American Idol."

Taylor Swift was the big winner of the CMT Awards, taking Female Video of the Year and Music Video of the Year for "Our Song."

Labels: CMT

The excitement builds for 2008 CMA Music Festival as Trace Adkins, Bucky Covington, Billy Ray Cyrus, Sara Evans, Little Big Town, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, James Otto, Kenny Rogers and Randy Travis are added to the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Concert Stages at LP Field. The four-day festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in Downtown Nashville.

"We are thrilled to host these great performers at CMA Music Festival this year," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "This group is a great mix of today's hottest Country radio artists and legends. We know our attendees are going to enjoy them all."

In addition to achieving Country Music success, many of these artists have also become television favorites. Adkins was the runner-up on the Donald Trump-fronted "Celebrity Apprentice" this year. Cyrus currently stars in Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" series (and upcoming movie) with his daughter Miley Cyrus, and will host "Nashville Star" this summer. In 2006, Covington was a finalist on "American Idol" while Evans participated in "Dancing with the Stars." The legendary Rogers headlined all five "The Gambler" television movies in the '80s and '90s. Both he and Travis have appeared on the television and silver screens in a variety of acting roles.

Travis will be making his first performance at CMA Music Festival in 10 years. He last performed at the event in 1998, when it was called by its original name, Fan Fair, and was held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds

Other artists already confirmed to appear at LP Field include Rodney Atkins, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood and Dwight Yoakam. Surprise guests have also become a hallmark of the Festival, enriching an already star-packed lineup.

Tickets for 2008 CMA Music Festival are available now at CMAFest.com

Labels: Billy Ray Cyrus, Kenny Rogers, Little Big Town, Montgomery Gentry, Randy Travis, Sara Evans, Trace Adkins

The Academy of Country Music today announced that country music superstars Rodney Atkins, Dolly Parton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood will perform as part of the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The show, hosted by Reba McEntire, airs Sunday, May 18th, 2008 at 8:00 PM EST on CBS.

Last year's Top New Male Vocalist winner, Rodney Atkins is nominated for six awards including Top Male Vocalist. He is also nominated for Song of the Year and Video of the Year for "Watching You" and Album of the Year for If You're Going Through Hell. In addition, Atkins received nominations for writing "Watching You" and for producing the accompanying album.

The legendary Dolly Parton will also hit the stage at this year's show. Throughout her illustrious career, Parton has been nominated for 40 Academy of Country Music Awards and has won 8. She is currently celebrating the release of her latest album, Backwoods Barbie, Parton's first mainstream country album in 17 years.

Platinum-selling duo and former Top New Vocal Duo winner Sugarland is nominated in four categories including Top Vocal Duo, as well as Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year for the #1 single "Stay." Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush both received nominations for producing the track and video, and Nettles for writing the single. The duo releases a third album in September and will debut a new single in May.

This year Taylor Swift received three nominations, which include both Top Female Vocalist and Top New Female Vocalist. She also received an Album of the Year nomination for her self-titled album Taylor Swift. Swift is currently on tour in support of that album.

Carrie Underwood is nominated for Top Female Vocalist. Last year, she took home this honor as well as Album of the Year for Some Hearts and Video of the Year for "Before He Cheats." Underwood has recently announced plans to extend her sold out Carnival Ride tour through June 2008.

The 43rd Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sun., May 18, 2008 at 8:00 PM live ETon the CBS Television Network.

Labels: Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Rodney Atkins, Sugarland, Taylor Swift

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Labels: CMT

Hank Williams Sr., the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Merle Kilgore and Steve Wariner are in the fourth class of inductees to the Music City Walk of Fame, presented by founding sponsor Gibson Guitar.

"It's a pleasure to honor the accomplishments of this talented class of inductees," said Butch Spyridon, president of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Each honoree represents the immense talent, creativity and diverse musical styles that have made Nashville, Music City."

Kilgore was a well-known songwriter, who penned "Ring of Fire" with June Carter Cash. The honorees will be recognized officially with the unveiling of commemorative sidewalk markers on Sunday, April 20 in downtown Nashville.

Created in the fall of 2006, the Music City Walk of Fame, on Nashville's Music Mile, is a tribute to those from all genres of music who have made significant contributions to preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and have contributed to the world through song or other industry collaboration. With the induction of this new class of honorees, there will be 24 total stars along the Walk of Fame. Previous inductees include Reba McEntire, Wynonna Judd and Ronnie Milsap.

Permanent sidewalk medallions made of stainless steel and terrazzo, with each honoree's name displayed in a star-and-guitar design, will be installed in the sidewalk along the Music Mile.

The Music City Walk of Fame is an official project of Music City, Inc., the charitable foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau.

We Weren't Crazy, the new CD from American Idol season 2 finalist and former Marine Josh Gracin, debuted at #4 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Country Albums chart selling more than 18,000 albums in its first week of release. A remarkable 26% of these full-length albums were sold digitally with iTunes representing the majority of the digital sales.

In addition, Josh Gracin moved more than 27,000 individual track downloads from the new record. His current single, the title track "We Weren't Crazy," accounted for more than 18,000 of the tracks sold first week. The single is currently inside the top 30 on the Billboard and MediaBase country radio charts.

Gracin wrote or co-wrote three of the albums eleven songs including the autobiographical current single, "We Weren’t Crazy." "This album is more me," says Gracin. "I was able to focus on making the album I wanted to make. For the first album, I was still in the service, so I had to fly in and out of Nashville to record when I could. This time around it had my undivided attention." Josh worked with producers Marty Williams and Brett James on the CD's eleven tracks.

Josh Gracin's debut album is certified gold by the RIAA and has sold over 695,000 copies. He's one of only three new male country singers to be introduced in the last four years to earn a gold album. Josh is also the only male solo country artist in recent years to release a debut album with three consecutive Top 5 country hits, including his first #1, "Nothin' To Lose."

Labels: Josh Gracin

For the fourth time in his career, country vet George Strait earns the No. 1 spot on The Billboard 200 with Troubadour. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the MCA Nashville album moved 166,000 copies, more than enough to push him to the summit of the Top Country Albums tally, his 22nd No. 1 there. The Billboard 200 has hosted at least one new entry from Strait every year since 1984.

Strait has 32 platinum albums, 13 of which are multi-platinum. The only recording artists with more RIAA certified platinum albums are The Beatles with 39 and Elvis Presley with 45.

The first single from Troubadour, "I Saw God Today," sits at the number two spot on the country radio charts this week. Strait has 55 #1s under his belt.

Labels: George Strait

The video for Josh Turner's current single, "Another Try," has been serviced to country television, just in time for the CMT Music Awards next Monday. The concept of the video, directed by Stephen Scott, is based on the song's lyric, "if the hands of time could just move in reverse," written by Chris Stapleton and Jeremy Spillman.

"This video was very different for me in that it was more about acting out the lyrical content of the song," said Turner. "The cool thing is that by using special effects, we started at the end of the story and went in reverse."

The video opens with a shot of Turner atop the Natchez Trace Bridge in Franklin, Tenn. "Another Try" will begin airing on GAC April 8 and on CMT April 10.

The song is currently at #22 on the Billboard country chart. It features a vocal cameo by Trisha Yearwood.

Labels: Josh Turner

Vanguard Records today announced that Chely Wright will release a new studio album on September 9th. The record, produced by Rodney Crowell, is titled Notes To The Coroner and was wrote exclusively by Wright.

This is Wright's seventh studio album. Her hits include "Shut Up and Drive," "Single White Female," and "Never Loved You Enough." Her last studio album, The Metropolitan Hotel, featured the touching hit, "Bumper of My SUV."

Labels: Chely Wright

On Monday, April 21, Good Morning America's spring concert series sponsored by Royal Carribean will host performances by country music's "Breakout" artists of 2008, Lady Antebellum and Ashton Shepherd.

Capitol Records Nashville trio Lady Antebellum's self-titled debut album will be released on April 15. The trio's debut single "Love Don't Live Here" is currently #14 on R&R and #12 on Mediabase. They were just recently nominated for the Academy of Country Music's "Top New Group" - their first major award nomination.

MCA recording artist Ashton Shepherd just released her debut album, Sounds So Good. Ashton wrote eleven of the twelve tracks on the record, which has received critical acclaim by USA Today, Associated Press, Billboard and Chicago Tribune. Future plans for Ashton include performing on the Grand Ole Opry April 26 and opening shows for Sugarland, Miranda Lambert and Rascal Flatts.

Labels: Ashton Shepherd, Lady Antebellum

Warner Bros. Recording Artist James Otto, whose debut album, Sunset Man, hits the streets tomorrow, recently recorded the theme song for the Atlanta Braves, "The Braves Play Here." The theme song was composed and produced by 615 Music for client Peachtree TV, Turner Broadcasting Inc's local television platform.

The new song, written by G. Barnhill and Randy Wachtler for 615 Music, has just begun to be featured on TV stations in five states, including Tennessee and will promote the Braves' upcoming baseball season. Wachtler describes the song as, "An upbeat, fun song that incorporates the famous Braves chant heard at Turner field."

Peachtree TV Senior Vice President/General Manager Jonathan Katz, zaid, "We are delighted with the song that 615 Music created to introduce this season's Braves' games on Peachtree TV. It capitalizes on the iconic sounds at Turner Field, while also tapping into musical styles that resonate with our viewers."

Otto, "the biggest voice in country music," will release his debut album, Sunset Man, on Warner Bros. Records tomorrow. All 11 tracks on the album were produced by Otto, with John Rich co-producing eight of the 11 tracks and Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts producing three tracks. The first single off the album, "Just Got Started Lovin' You" is already a smash hit at radio, charting at No. 4 on the R&R chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.

Labels: James Otto

On Wednesday night, FOX's "American Idol" will try to top the $75 million it raised last year for charity with country singer Carrie Underwood, pop legends Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, and many more take the stage as part of the 2nd annual "Idol Gives Back" telethon.

Starting at 7:30 EST, fans of the show will be able to donate money to be used in charitable events throughout the world. Last year's proceeds helped children in Africa and New Orleans, LA, among other places.

Underwood taped her performance last night, choosing George Michaels' "Praying for Time." Immediately following the show, her performance will be available for purchase on iTunes.

This is the second year Underwood has participated in "Idol Gives Back." Last year, her performance of The Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You" set records on the Billboard Hot 100, charted on country radio, and became the theme for this year's show.

Labels: Carrie Underwood

Grand Ole Opry member Charlie Daniels is livid over the treatment of one of his hits by the popular video game Guitar Hero. The game, which let's users play their favorite songs by strumming color-coded notes, features Daniels' "The Devil Went Down To Georgia."

In Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, players must battle Lou, the Devil, and outperform him on Daniels' song. If they do, they earn the title of "Rock Legend." The makers of the game remixed the song from its original version, removing the fiddle for high-octane guitar riffs, and Daniels is not happy.

"The song, 'The Devil Went Down To Georgia,' which I wrote, is supposed to be a lighthearted novelty about a fiddling contest between a country boy and the devil and the devil always loses," said Daniels in a post on his fan message board. "I'm sorely disappointed with the company who owns the copyright for not policing the situation. As it is they have allowed these people to violate the very essence of the song."

Daniels mentions that he does not have publishing rights to the song and could not stop the song from being used, and says he "vehemently disagrees" with the result of its use.

"I did not grant these people my permission to pervert my song and am disgusted with the result," said Daniels.

Guitar Hero is produced by RedOctane and Activision and is available for Sony's Playstation, Microsoft's X-Box, and Nintendo's Wii.

Labels: Charlie Daniels

The Dixie Chicks and Toby Keith can agree on one thing: the climate is changing and we must do something to stop harming the environment. That will be the main message of a commercial spot starring both acts that will air as part of former Vice President Al Gore's campaign against climate change.

Gore's campaign, titled "We Campaign," is a $300 million initiative aimed to build a grassroots movement to halt global warming. The official kickoff was April 2, with the launch of print and television ads, as well as a new Web site.

Neither act were available for comment.

The Dixie Chicks' lead singer Natalie Maines and Keith butted heads in 2002 and 2003 after Maines criticized Keith's #1 hit "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue," saying "I hate it. It's ignorant.." After Maines criticized President Bush in 2003, Keith began showing pictures of Maines with then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein on the mega-tron screen during his concert shows. The two have since stopped feuding.

Gore, a Nobel Prize winner, has announced that "We Campaign" will bring together other unlikely pairs, like Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, and former House Speaker and GOP leader Newt Gingrich, or the Revs. Pat Robertson and Al Sharpton.

Labels: Dixie Chicks, Toby Keith

Carrie Underwood's headline tour, the "Carnival Ride Tour", will continue with an additional run of shows in the month of June and will feature opening act Jason Michael Carroll. The tour launched February 18 and all shows to date have been sell-outs.

Underwood wraps her co-headline dates with Keith Urban April 26 in Lexington, KY on the "Love, Pain, & The whole crazy Carnival Ride Tour" while Josh Turner, special guest on the "Carnival Ride Tour," closes out his run of shows May 28.

Carrie's current album Carnival Ride, which contains her #1 co-written smash hits "So Small" and "All-American Girl," was certified double-platinum within 2 months of its release. Her debut album, Some Hearts, was recently certified 7x-Platinum, becoming the best-selling solo female country debut in RIAA history. With this certification, Some Hearts now also surpasses all other releases as the all-time U.S. top-selling album by any American Idol contestant.

Labels: Carrie Underwood, Jason Michael Carroll, Josh Turner, Keith Urban

Music fans logged on in record numbers to vote and help determine what special content, album title and artwork should be used for country music star Dierks Bentley's first greatest hits collection, due in stores May 6, 2008 on Capitol Nashville.

In an online town hall meeting last night, Bentley announced the final results to over 2,000 fans interacting live via video chat on Dierks.Com. The fans voted and the album will be titled "Greatest Hits: Every Mile A Memory 2003 - 2008" and will include Bentley's 10 Top 10 and No. #1 radio hits, four live versions of crowd favorites "So So Long," "Lot of Leavin' Left To Do," "Wish It Would Break" and "Free & Easy (Down The Road I Go)," as well as two new tracks; "With The Band" and "Sweet & Wild" (featuring Sarah Buxton).

The first 3,000 fans who participated in the DB Hits/Fan Project program will be listed as executive producers in the final album's liner notes, and a donation to Vanderbilt Childrens' Hospital will also be made in their honor. Bentley is currently in the studio working on his fourth studio album of original material and his Throttle Wide Open tour is back in full swing with dates this week in Jackson, TN, Birmingham, AL and Hot Springs, AR.

Labels: Dierks Bentley

A star-studded line-up of presenters has been added to the 2008 CMT Music Awards including Jason Aldean, Jewel, Josh Turner, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Reba McEntire, comedian Rodney Carrington, Sara Evans, Taylor Swift, The Eagles' Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmidt and actor Tim Daly (ABC's "Private Practice"). CMT favorites including hosts Katie Cook and Lance Smith, Bobby Brown, John Rich and Maureen McCormick of the hit series Gone Country and Tom Arnold, host of CMT’s My Big Redneck Wedding, as well as judge Naomi Judd and host Rossi Morreale of the new CMT series Can You Duet? will also serve as presenters.

CMT's seventh annual awards show airs live from Nashville's Curb Event Center at Belmont University on Monday, April 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CMT and CMT.com.

Hosted by music's hottest father and daughter, Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, the 2008 CMT Music Awards will include performances by Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and Brooks & Dunn with a special performance by Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus. The 2008 CMT Music Awards continues to be the genre's only fan-voted awards.

Labels: CMT, Josh Turner, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift

Country star Trace Adkins will make a ghostly appearance opposite Kelsey Grammer in David Zucker's indie Christmas comedy "American Carol."

Jon Voight, Leslie Nielsen and Dennis Hopper have cameos in the takeoff on Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale. The singer will play the Spirit of Christmas Future (a.k.a. the Grim Reaper), who uses his musical abilities to help Scrooge (Grammer) avoid a tragic end.

Adkins made his screen debut in this year's Slamdance entry "Trailer Park of Terror," recently came in second on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice" and wrote the 2007 book "A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions From a Freethinking Roughneck." His new single, "You're Gonna Miss This," just hit No. 1 on the Billboard country singles chart.

The film is shooting in Los Angeles through April 15.

Labels: Trace Adkins