Sugarland's new album, Love On The Inside will have two special editions available along with the traditional CD when it is released in July, however those fan editions will be available earlier than the regular release.

According to our sources, Sugarland's Love On The Inside Deluxe Fan Edition and 2 LP Deluxe Fan Edition will be available on July 22nd. The regular release will be available a week later, July 29th. The Deluxe Editions will be very limited edition, so be sure to get ahold of them quick! At left you can see the cover of the standard release. The deluxe edition cover, if different, will be forthcoming. Below we have some new photos from the album's photo shoot, taken by Kate Powers.

The new album features songs such as their current single "All I Want To Do", "Operation Working Vacation", and a song co-written with Bill Anderson. Bill notes in his online journal that the song is titled "Joey (I'm So Sorry)". The Deluxe editions will include five extra tracks, one of those being the version of "Life In A Northern Town" with Jake Owen and Little Big Town. More track details will be posted in the coming weeks. Also keep in mind, these details are always subject to change.

Their current single, "All I Want To Do" is available at radio now. The video for the single can be downloaded from iTunes here.

You can pre-order the standard edition of Sugarland's Love On The Inside now from Amazon.com.

Labels: Sugarland

The 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards drew 11.7 million viewers and was the second-highest rated program throughout the full three hours it aired on Sunday, May 18th on CBS - an increase of 26 percent from the previous year.

The show reversed the trend of declining awards show ratings and posted across-the-board increases during a week in which total viewership of the five major networks was 13 percent less than the same time a year ago, according to Nielsen Media Research.

The 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards also had a positive impact on record sales for artists who performed at the event. According to Nielsen Soundscan, Carrie Underwood's sales increased 58 percent, Rodney Atkins' sales increased 73 percent, Miranda Lambert's sales increased 52 percent, Garth Brooks' sales increased 33 percent and Brooks & Dunn's sales increased 19 percent, among others. Sugarland had a 72 percent increase and notched the highest country chart debut of their career at #27 with their current single "All I Want To Do," which they performed live during the show.

The strong performance of the show and increased consumer appetite for country is good news for Dick Clark Productions and the Academy of Country Music, which recently announced an exclusive partnership agreement to develop new concert specials, multiple country music-themed reality and competition series, as well as artist profiles and other programming initiatives that will air on both music-oriented networks and other broadcast and cable networks. The partnership is also developing both repurposed and original country music-themed programming for new media platforms.

"This is a terrific accomplishment, particularly when you consider the current television environment," said Bob Romeo, Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music. "If viewer erosion from the writer's strike was taken out of the scenario, I think our ratings increase would have been even more significant. At the end of the day, the success of our show this year really demonstrates the appeal of country music and viewer's investment in the format."

Romeo credits the ratings success to the growing popularity of country music, and points to the first-ever fan-voted Entertainer of the Year category as one reason consumers were potentially more engaged this year.

Labels: Academy of Country Music

Building on a long tradition of cooperation and good will, the USO and the Country Music Association (CMA) have partnered to send 80 wounded troops and family members to this year's CMA Music Festival. Military families selected to attend this event will be chosen from nearby Fort Campbell, home to one of the largest populations of wounded soldiers in the United States.

For the first time, a Mobile USO unit will also be present in theFestival's Fun Zone, which is free and open to the public. Event attendees will have an opportunity to tour the unit and get more information about the USO and how the organization helps soldiers andtheir families around the world. A special hospitality area will be set up for service members and their families.

Visitors to the Mobile USO will also be encouraged to participate in the"Messages from the Homefront" program. This will give them the chance to write a message of encouragement and support on a specially designed poster of Kellie Pickler from her recent USO tour to Iraq that will be displayed in USO centers around the world after the Festival.

"The expansion of our relationship with CMA to the annual CMA Music Festival marks an important milestone for the USO," says Edward A.Powell, USO president and CEO. "The Country Music community has always been a vocal supporter of our troops. It is our hope that they will come away from the CMA Music Festival with a better understanding of how we work together to bring a piece of home to the brave men and women of our military and their families."

In addition to partnering to provide Festival tickets to deserving service members, the USO and CMA will join with Borders to donate CDs and DVDs to soldiers around the world. Attendees will be able to purchase the specially-priced discs at any of the three Borders locations at the Festival. The USO will deliver these to troops serving overseas.

Labels: CMA Music Festival

Dierks Bentley and wife Cassidy are expecting their first child this fall, the country star reveals on his fan Web site.

"Cass's eggo is preggo!" he writes on the premium section of his site. "We are excited about adding onto the family, but we aren't too sure how the current kids, Jake and George, are going to feel about it."

Jake and George are the couple's dogs.

Bentley, 33, and Cassidy, 32, eloped in 2006 in a little chapel in Mexico, where Bentley is now on vacation. "Mexico has always been a special place for us," writes Bentley.

He says the couple have "gone back and forth" on whether to find out the baby's gender. "At this point, we are keeping it a surprise until it happens this fall," he writes.

Bentley recently released Greatest Hits/Every Mile a Memory 2003-2008 with 10 hits, two new songs and five live recordings that his fans chose.

Labels: Dierks Bentley

On-air, in person and late at night. Those are the three ways millions of fans will have access to their favorite stars and hosts featured on television network Great American Country (GAC) during the 2008 CMA Music Festival. From June 2- June 8, the network, known for being the leader in country music entertainment, has a bevy of activities and programming in store for fans during "The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience."

In addition to its annual activities of providing artist autograph sessions at the GAC Booth (#200) and taping video dedications at the GAC Summer Tour Bus (5th & Broadway outside the Sommet Center), GAC is providing two additional opportunities for fans to see their favorite artists: The GAC Kick-off Breakfast benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum featuring Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Rissi Palmer and The Road Hammers; and GAC Nite Cap, late-night concerts by King Billy, The Road Hammers, James Otto, Crystal Shawanda, Chris Young, Trailer Choir, Carter's Chord, Flynville Train and Mica Roberts hosted at Limelight.

"Every year our programming and marketing teams search for more opportunities to provide fans what they want the most during CMA Music Fest: access to their favorite stars," says GAC President Ed Hardy. "As the fans in the city experience the best moments of the week, our cameras will be there to capture and present them to those viewers at home who don't make the journey."

The GAC Nights, Top 20 Countdown and Country Music Across America camera crews will be out and about in the city capturing the highlights from events such as the GAC Sponsored "Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids" Bowling event, The 18th Annual Celebrity Softball Challenge benefiting City of Hope, the Riverfront Concert stages, and the CMA Celebrity Close Up series at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The June 6 episode of Top 20 Countdown will be a recap of the highlights of CMA Music Fest and Suzanne Alexander will bring the best of the week's interviews for during GAC Nights during the week of June 9-13.

Check www.gactv.com for complete airdates and times.

Labels: CMA Music Festival, GAC

Today, multi-platinum country music group, Lonestar, announced what it is calling "Open Enrollment" for their not-so-traditional Fan Club Party during the 2008 CMA Music Festival.

In recent years, the Lonestar Fan Club Party was only open to members. This year that isn't the case. There is an expected 300 "Open Enrollment" seats for this year's recently dubbed "Lonestar Network Open Enrollment Party." Lonestar calls the new approach, "their network." Current members will have the opportunity to attend through a member giveaway while tickets last.

"We are making so many changes in our business, our music and the way we approach our music" says Lonestar's Keech Rainwater. "We felt that it was only fair to open up our Fan Club Party to everyone!"

Those in attendance for this year's Fan Club Party can expect noticeable changes ascompared to parties in the past. There will be an intimate setting where fans will hear the latest music from Lonestar with a crowd-rocking electric show, learn about the band's current and upcoming plans, and experience up-close and personal interaction with the band during a very special question and answer session where the band will ask the fans the questions!

The "Lonestar Network Open Enrollment Party" is set for Wednesday, June 4th at4:00pm at Rocketown in Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets are available for purchase now at http://www.lonestarnow.com/

Labels: Lonestar

Today George Strait released the title track off his latest album, Troubadour. The song is the follow-up to the #1 single "I Saw God Today."

Written by Monty Holmes ("Never Again, Again") and Leslie Satcher ("When God Fearin' Women Get the Blues"), the song is a narrative of feeling young and carefree. The song features background vocals from Vince Gill.

Should "Troubadour" top the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, it will be Strait's forty-third #1 country single on Billboard, fifty-seventh overall.

Labels: George Strait

Following an extensive search, Nashville country music recording artist Laura Bryna has been chosen as the voice of the new, multifaceted advertising campaign for the Air Guard.

The Air Guard (www.goang.com) is a branch of the military that has a state and federal mission to actively support the needs of the country and the nation's homeland defense. There are currently over 140 Air Guard bases in the United States.

As part of Bryna's involvement with the Air Guard, she will record a special song called "Hometown Heroes", which will be used in the campaign. Bryna will also be featured in an accompanying music video, appear in print ads and perform at a series of concerts throughout the summer.

"We are delighted to have Laura Bryna on our team," said Lt. Colonel Randy Johnson, Director of Recruiting and Retention for the Air Guard. "Her tremendous energy and her willingness to do what it takes to get things done exemplify the Air Guard Warrior spirit. It's a real privilege to work with her and we are excited to have Laura, Equity Records and her team as part of the Air Guard's advertising campaign."

"I'm so honored that the Air Guard has chosen me to represent them," said Bryna. "Like any good citizen, I want to do my part in serving our country and can't think of a better way than by helping to spread the good word and good works of the Air Guard. I have the utmost respect for the men and women who serve our country. If I can play a part in helping bring awareness and support to their mission, then I've done my job."

A special kickoff concert for the campaign will be held early this summer in Washington, DC. The new song, "Hometown Heroes", will be added to Bryna's recently released debut album, "Trying To Be Me", as part of a second printing.

Bryna has been a longtime supporter of the men and women in uniform, and speaks often of their sacrifices when performing live. Her involvement with this new campaign affords her the opportunity to truly showcase that support.

Labels: Laura Bryna

Country On-Demand is going to be all over Music City for the 2008 CMA Music Festival, and you won't want to miss it!

Check out our coverage at http://cmafest.countryondemand.com and while you're there, send us a question for your favorite artists!!

We are by the fans, for the fans, and we're going to be LIVE at the biggest fan fest of them all. Country On-Demand will be your #1 stop for all things CMA - we guarantee it!

Labels: CMA Music Festival

Keith Urban released an old song to radio as a new single this afternoon. "You Look Good In My Shirt," from his Golden Road album, is set to hit radio airwaves next week as a pre-cursor to the as-of-yet untitled "Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour" concert DVD release this fall. The single goes for adds June 2.

"Over the years it ('Shirt') has always played like a hit song," said Keith Urban. "That, combined with numerous requests from both fans and radio about why it was never a single, inspired us to get back into the studio and re-record the song."

The song was tapped to be released as the fifth single from Road, but those plans were scrapped when "Days Go By," the first single from the follow up CD Be Here was ready.

"The trick for this song was to bring all of the live energy to the new recording," added Urban. "I think that we accomplished that and I'm glad that we finally have the opportunity to give everyone what they've been asking for."

Urban is currently writing for a new CD to hit sometime in next year. He and wife Nicole Kidman are expecting their first child in July.

Labels: Keith Urban

Forbes Magazine, known for their lists of wealthy Americans and celebrities, has published their list of the wealthiest country music stars of 2008. Toby Keith tops the list.

Keith, who took in $48 million of the last year, earned his money in non-conventional ways, according to Forbes. The magazine cites his musical earnings, endorsement deal with Ford Motor Company, Keith's "I Love This Bar And Grill" restaurant line, and his stake in the Show Dog Music Nashville label, which Keith founded.

At #2, Rascal Flatts ($40 million), earned most of their revenue from touring. Their "Still Feels Good" tour finished top 10 all genre. Tim McGraw (#3, $23 million) bests wife Faith Hill (#7, $12 million); both raked in the dough with their #1 tour "Soul2Soul 2007."

Here's the list:
1. Toby Keith - $48 million
2. Rascal Flatts - $40 million
3. Tim McGraw - $23 million
4. Kenny Chesney- $22 million
5. Brooks & Dunn - $20 million
6. Brad Paisley - $16 million
7. Faith Hill - $12 million
7. Keith Urban - $12 million
8. George Strait $11 million
9. Alan Jackson - $10 million

For the list, Forbes considered concert grosses, merchandise revenue, album sales and income from endorsement and licensing deals. The figures represent estimates of gross earnings in the last 12 months.

Labels: Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Brooks and Dunn, Faith Hill, George Strait, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith

Country On-Demand has learned specifics for the upcoming Faith Hill holiday album. In the making for several years, Hill completed the album late last year. Titled Joy To the World, the album is expected on store shelves September 22.

Hill's publicist was unable to confirm this information at this time, but said he expected this information to be finalized in the coming weeks.

TRACKLIST:
1. Joy to The World
2. What Child Is This
3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
4. Little Drummer Boy
5. O Come All Ye Faithful
6. Holly Jolly Christmas
7. Away In A Manger
8. O Holy Night
9. Winter Wonderland
10. Silent Night
11. A Baby Changes Everything

Pre-order the CD in our music shop now!

Labels: Faith Hill

Blake Shelton will be the only country artist to participate in a historic one night only live concert, "David Foster and Friends." This special tribute to Foster, one of the industry's most well-known producers, will take place Friday, May 23 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and will be filmed for broadcast on PBS stations nationwide and will air later this year.

The show will feature numerous performers including Andrea Bocelli, Babyface, Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Kenny G., Katharine McPhee, Brian McKnight, Boz Scaggs, Shelton and more. Foster, along with the artists, will be performing some of his biggest hits.

Shelton just re-released his latest album, Pure BS, and included a cover of Buble's hit, "Home," which features Miranda Lambert.

Labels: Blake Shelton

Marty Stuart will wrap the first season of his hugely successful XM Radio Show Marty Stuart's American Odyssey this summer with a show spotlighting music in Las Vegas, NV. XM Radio broadcasts the hour-long show every Friday at 8:00AM EST on America Channel 10 and all day on XMX Channel 2 with a new show airing every other week.

The collaboration between Stuart and XM Radio began in October 2007 with a mission to highlight not only country music but all styles unique to the United States through city-specific programming. Ranging from Phoenix to Buffalo, Nashville to Cleveland and Jersey City to Minneapolis, Stuart expresses his respect for American music by exploring the genre, musical history and artists indigenous to each city. Stuart often enhances shows by inviting guests like Dolly Parton (Nashville), Howard Cramer of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland) and Merle Haggard (Bakersfield) to add personal local color. Additionally, special themed episodes have included a Porter Wagoner tribute and Christmas and New Year's specials.

"Creating American Odyssey has been one of the greatest experiences of my life," said Stuart. "The research, the writing, the character development, the camaraderie and the music have enlightened and enriched me in ways that are beyond belief."

"Our goal was to develop a program that salutes not only country music, but all forms of music that are unique to America," adds Ray Knight, Senior Director of Traditional Country/Southern Gospel Programming, XM Radio. "Fans have shown their support by tuning in each week and sending great feedback. I am extremely honored, proud, and blessed to have Marty Stuart as a member of the XM Artist Family."

Stuart and XM Radio are continuing their partnership through the summer with six remaining shows including features on Tulsa, Bakersfield and Portland. XM Radio has approximately nine million subscribers and 18 million listeners with country music being their most popular format.

Labels: Marty Stuart

The lead singer of rock band Hootie & The Blowfish is among the recent crossover acts to try his hand at country music. His debut single, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It," was sent out nationwide today after garnering airplay in key markets earlier this month. It's currently in the lower rungs of the Billboard Hot Country Airplay chart.

Rucker says he doesn't want to be thought of as a "one-off" act. "You see a lot of people doing a one-off, saying, 'This is my country record.' But this is a career I'm trying to build," Rucker said in an interview with Billboard. "The people that say that they don't get it, I'll let the music speak for itself. I plan to do a lot of country records."

Produced by Frank Rogers (Brad Paisley), the album is tentatively scheduled for fall release on Capitol Nashville. After Hootie & the Blowfish finishes touring in August, Rucker hopes to hit the road with his own band. Rucker marks his influences as Radney Foster and Lyle Lovett.

Labels: Darius Rucker

Check out our new Julianne Hough feature now open at http://julianne.countryondemand.com/. You can have a chance to win one of 5 signed copies of her new CD!

Labels: Julianne Hough

Former "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood will return to the season finale Wednesday.

Underwood, who won the competition in 2005 in the program's fourth season, will sing her hit "Last Name," her spokeswoman Jessie Schmidt said Monday.

Sunday night, Underwood was voted top female vocalist for the second straight year at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

The singer was also voted the Most Popular American Idol star ever, according to an AOL Television poll. Underwood received 54% of the vote. Kelly Clarkson, the first Idol, came in second.

Labels: Carrie Underwood

Summer heats up when ABC heads to Nashville to take you to the hottest music event of the year: "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock."

Filming Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, today's most exciting Country Music sensations will hit the stage during a four-day party and music celebration for a special that will air Monday, Sept. 8 at 9/8C on the ABC Television Network.

Some of the artists already announced to appear at the Nightly Concerts on the VAULT Concert Stage at LP Field include Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Dwight Yoakam, and surprise appearances by Country superstars - a hallmark of the Festival.

"Our announced lineup this year is very strong and exciting with a depth and variety of performers that will certainly appeal to anyone who loves Country Music," said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. "But what makes this Festival really thrilling is the energy charge created when an artist the fans weren't expecting to see steps onto that stage. The eruption of applause and screams lets us know that we delivered a Festival highlight."

The annual event is unlike any other: four days, 30 hours of autograph signings, 100 hours of live music, hundreds of artists and celebrities, and a party list of thousands of avid, singing and dancing-till-dawn fans. This is the fourth time ABC will broadcast this special - which invites the whole country to America's biggest Country Music bash. Originally started as Fan Fair in 1972, last year the event experienced its biggest attendance to date - 191,000.

In addition to exciting, never-before-televised music performances, viewers will also enjoy the ultimate, Country Music fan experience. In exclusively shot segments for the special, the cameras will capture behind-the-scenes moments between the artist and their fans and follow the stories of several passionate Country Music enthusiasts.

Tickets can be purchased for the 2008 CMA Festival at www.CMAFest.com

Labels: CMA Music Festival

What started as a planned 90th birthday tribute to Eddy Arnold ended with the late country singing great charting for seven straight decades, a feat never duplicated.

RCA Nashville had planned to approach radio stations with a request to play the song, "To Life," a song from his 2005 album, "After All These Years," with the intention of earning one more chart hit, and a historic milestone, for Arnold, who recorded such classics as "Make the World Go Away" and "Bouquet of Roses." Arnold's passing on May 8, just days before his 90th birthday on May 15, brought a special meaning to the effort, and radio honored the man and his music by granting the Country Music Hall of Fame legend the 147th chart single of his career. It was not clear where the song charted.

Arnold becomes the only country artist in history to enjoy chart success in each of the past seven decades. He also acquires the career distinction of having the longest span of charted country singles, beginning with "Each Minute Seems a Million Years" on June 30, 1945, and now with "To Life," nearly 63 years later.

Sony BMG Nashville Chairman Joe Galante said, "He is one of those rare singers whose voice is timeless...his success on the charts is now the same."

Arnold's grandson, Shannon Pollard, said, "On behalf of the Arnold family, I would like to thank Joe Galante and his staff at RCA, as well as country radio, for their support and efforts in returning Eddy Arnold back to the charts with the single, 'To Life.' This would be an absolute thrill for him, as it was his last wish to have another hit song." Pollard also expressed his appreciation for last night's Academy of Country Music salute to his grandfather, the 1983 ACM Pioneer Award honoree, adding, "The tribute at the ACMs was beautiful and moving. Thank you very much."

Initiated by the RCA Nashville promotion department, "To Life" was made available to radio in its original version as well as a special edit that included comments Arnold had made in an interview done for the label at the time of the album's release.

The Tennessee Plowboy was 87 years old when his final RCA Nashville album was released in 2005. At the time, Galante recalled him saying that RCA was his home, and indeed, his passion for music-making never faded - even recently expressing interest to Galante in recording yet another album.

Arnold was the Country Music Association's first Entertainer of the Year in 1967, and in 2005, he was presented with a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award. In a career with record sales in excess of 85 million albums, Arnold earned more Top 10 hits (92) and more consecutive Top 10 hits (67) than anyone in country history. Ranked as Billboard's number 1 country artist of all time, he also earned 28 chart-topping singles that collectively spent 145 weeks at number 1 - an accomplishment unmatched to this day.

Labels: Eddy Arnold

Great American Country (GAC), the network that gives fans an in-depth look at the Academy of Country MusicAwards, will bring all the great music and touching moments captured in the May 18 telecast to fans to enjoy all over again by exclusively re-airing the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards with the premiere airing Wednesday, June 4, 9 pm/ET.

"GAC has partnered with the Academy of Country Music and Dick Clark Productions for the fourth year in covering all aspects of the ACM Award activities, from the nominations to the post-show excitement,” said Sarah Trahern, senior vice president of programming, GAC. "The premiere airs during GAC's Fan-tastic week – one of the biggest fan-centric weeks in television - and I cannot think of a more appropriate program for that special week.”

The 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards took place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Reba McEntire served as host. In the weeks leading up to the show, GAC sat down with many top nominees, both newcomers and established stars, sharing their excitement and in some cases, pre-show jitters.

In addition to the June 4 premiere, the Awards will also air Thursday, June 5 at 3 pm ET and various times throughout the year.

Labels: Academy of Country Music, GAC

Kenny Chesney won entertainer of the year for a fourth straight time Sunday, then promptly took issue with the way the Academy of Country Music awarded the honor: through fan votes.

For the first time in the show's 43 years, the top prize -- traditionally decided by ACM members -- was determined through online voting. With the win, Chesney ties Garth Brooks and trails only Alabama, which won five in a row.

Chesney said immediately backstage that he thought fans should be included, just not by voting for the show's most important award.

"The entertainer of the year trophy is supposed to represent heart and passion and an amazing amount of sacrifice, commitment and focus," he said. "That's the way Garth won it four times, that's the way I won it, that's the way (George) Strait won it, Reba (McEntire), Alabama all those years. That's what it's supposed to represent."

He said his complaint is directed at the industry, not the fans -- and that the method amounted to "complete disrespect" of the artists, saying the academy turned the award "into a sweepstakes to see who can push people's buttons the hardest on the Internet."

COUNTRY ON-DEMAND WILL HAVE FULL COVERAGE OF THE AWARDS. COMPLETE WRAP-UP WILL BE POSTED PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

Labels: Academy of Country Music, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire

In a rare instance, Mutt Lange, husband of Shania Twain, has made a public statement to PEOPLE magazine regarding the separation of the couple.

Saying the split was "unfortunate," Lange says the pair have "literally just grown apart, that's all." PEOPLE also reports that sources close to Twain say the divorce was unexpected and that she is "devastated, but getting through it with the support of family and friends."

Yesterday, Twain's publicist announced the couple would be separating.

EDITOR's NOTE: It is our policy here at Country On-Demand to keep stars' private lives just that, private. Ms. Twain, Mr. Lange, and their son, Eja, are in our thoughts and we wish them the best through this tough time. All rumor and speculation will not be posted on this site.

Labels: Shania Twain

As Warner Bros. Records debut artist James Otto celebrates his second straight week in the No. 1 spot on the country charts for his single, "Just Got Started Lovin' You," he's also preparing for the Academy Of Country Music Awards. Otto is on a roll this weekend participating in several events, including his first ever presenter slot on the 43rd Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards.

"This has been such an amazing five weeks, I'm hoping my good luck helps me at the tables this weekend,” said Otto. “Too bad I can't bet on a third week at No. 1," he said jokingly.

On Saturday, Otto will rev up and ride in the Academy Of Country Music's Celebrity Charity Motorcycle Ride with a performance immediately following. Otto's weekend concludes on a high note on Sunday when he is a presenter on the Academy Of Country Music Awards and later performs at the Academy's All-Star Jam.

Otto's debut album, Sunset Man, was released on April 8 and debuted at No. 3 on the Top 200 Billboard Chart and No. 2 on the Country albums chart. For the first four weeks after the release, the album sales continued to stay strong, consistently logging him in the top five on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. The first single off the album, "Just Got Started Lovin' You" has spent the past two weeks in the No. 1 position on the Billboard, Mediabase and R&R top country singles charts.

Labels: James Otto

First-time ACM nominee Luke Bryan is having the time of his live. This weekend, he will perform in Las Vegas as part of the run-up activities to Sunday's 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Bryan is nominated for Top New Male Vocalist.

"This week is surreal because everything I have always dreamed about is in essence happening to me this week," beams Luke Bryan. "I've got a happy healthy new baby and a beautiful wife; I am opening shows for the biggest artist and tour in country music right now and I am up for my first ACM Award. My whole family is coming to Vegas to help me celebrate - win or lose. Life can't get much better than this."

Hitting stands tomorrow (May 16) will be Bryan's feature in PEOPLE Magazine's Country special issue. People magazine caught the first glimpse of then 3-week old Thomas Boyer "Bo" Bryan in a full feature with Luke and wife Caroline.

Bryan's currently on the radio with "Country Man."

Labels: Luke Bryan

Mercury Nashville's super duo Sugarland will release their third studio album entitled, Love On The Inside, July 22. Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush co-wrote all 13 tracks and have teamed up with Byron Gallimore again to produce.

Country On-Demand originally report this news last week.

Sugarland will premiere the album's debut single "All I Want To Do" live on the Academy of Country Music awards (ACM) which will air on CBS at 8/7C on May 18. The new single will ship digitally to radio across the country immediately following their performance, which promises to be a showstopper.

The world premiere of the music video for "All I Want To Do", which was shot in Hawaii and directed by Shaun Silva ("Stay"), will be featured on Yahoo! Music after their live ACM performance. The single will be available on iTunes Tues., May 20.

The video's first television broadcast appearance will debut on CMT and CMT.com, as well as GAC on Monday, May 19th

"We've been playing some of the new songs during our live shows," says lead singer Nettles. "The fans have been so responsive. We couldn't wait to get the whole album to them. I am more excited about this album than any other that I've recorded thus far," continued Nettles. "It is special to us and has a lot of emotion, heart, laughter, tears and love on the inside!"

"Love On The Inside is just that, it is a recording full of love," Bush says. "It's in the strings and wood of the instruments, in the vocal chords, in the hearts that beat behind them and in the words that flood out through them into microphones. Our hope is that new Sugarland fans and old ones alike will hear this album and feel like the soundtrack to their life is magically playing in front of them."

This third release is the follow up to their two previous, multi-platinum selling records Enjoy The Ride and Twice The Speed Of Life.

Labels: Sugarland

Shania Twain and her husband, producer Robert "Mutt" Lange, have split, her rep confirms to PEOPLE.

"Shania Twain and her husband, music producer Robert 'Mutt' Lange, are separating after 14 years of marriage," spokesman Jason Owen says in a statement. "This is a private matter and there will be no further comment at this time."

Twain, 42, and Lange, 59, have one child together, Eja, 6. They were married Dec. 28, 1993 after meeting at Fan Fair earlier that year.

Twain and Lange co-wrote all of her biggest hits, including "You're Still the One," "Any Man of Mine," and "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" Lange produced The Woman In Me (12x platinum), Come On Over (20x platinum), Up! (11x platinum) and Twain's Greatest Hits (4x platinum).

Lange had a firmly established career in rock music prior to meeting Twain. His producing credits include best-selling albums from AC/DC, Def Leppard, Foreigner and Bryan Adams. Following his success with Twain, he also produced successful albums by Celine Dion, The Backstreet Boys and The Corrs

Labels: Shania Twain

The 2008 CMA Music Festival is the ultimate experience for fans of America's music, with more than 100 hours of live music, celebrity events and more during four days (Thursday-Sunday, June 5-8) in Downtown Nashville.

The event celebrates the relationship between fans and celebrities, and is perhaps best realized at its core: the truTV Fan Fair Hall. Held at the Nashville Convention Center, the truTV Fan Fair Hall gives four-day attendees the rare opportunity to meet some of their favorite entertainment personalities, discover new talents, and receive a cherished autograph and photo.

"The artist/fan interaction in the truTV Fan Fair Hall is the heart of CMA Music Festival," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Watching their faces as the fans meet one of their favorite artists or discover a new talent is one of my favorite things to do during CMA Music Festival."

Artists Appearing in truTV Fan Fair Hall:
Bill Anderson, Katie Armiger, Rodney Atkins, Jeff Bates, John Berry, Laura Bryna, Tracy Byrd, Jason Michael Carroll, Cherryholmes, Brad Cotter, Bucky Covington, Cowboy Crush, Linda Davis, ABC-TV’s “One Life to Live” actress/singer Kassie DePaiva, Emerson Drive, Erika Jo, Donna Fargo, Billy Gilman, Josh Gracin, The Grascals, Andy Griggs, Heartland, Con Hunley, Jack Ingram, Emma Mae Jacob, author Denise Jackson, “Dukes of Hazzard” television star Ben “Cooter” Jones, Jeannie Kendall, Kentucky Headhunters, Brenda Lee, Little Big Town, Charlie Louvin, Neal McCoy, Rich McCready, Richie McDonald, Jo Dee Messina, Michael Martin Murphey, James Otto, Jake Owen, Danielle Peck, Michael Peterson, Kevin Sharp, Ricky Skaggs, Fisher Stevenson, Sunny Sweeney, Taylor Swift, Mel Tillis, Aaron Tippin, Carrie Underwood, Rhonda Vincent, Taylor Ware, Jimmy Wayne, Bryan White, The Whites, Chuck Wicks, Trent Willmon, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley, Kyle Wyley, Wynonna, Chris Young, and many others. All artists and celebrities are subject to change.

Entrance into the truTV Fan Fair Hall is included in the four-day ticket package.

Labels: CMA Music Festival

Fan favorites Phil Vassar and Jo Dee Messina will kick off 2008 CMA Music Festival on the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages Thursday, June 5 (10:00 AM/CT). Each artist's performance is sure to rev up the crowd for all the non-stop excitement happening at the four-day event, taking place in Downtown Nashville through Sunday, June 8.

"Having Phil and Jo Dee kick off CMA Music Festival this year is going to be a real treat for our attendees," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Both artists are beloved by the fans, and they set the bar high with their live performances. This will be an exciting morning of live music!"

Curb recording artist Messina will release her fifth studio album later this year. The 1999 CMA Horizon Award winner has racked up numerous hits, including "Heads Carolina, Tails California," "I'm Alright," "Bye Bye," "Bring on the Rain," "That's the Way," "Lesson in Leavin'" and "Stand Beside Me."

Universal South recording artist Vassar recently debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart with his new album Prayer of a Common Man. Vassar has achieved success both as a solo artist, with hit singles including "Carlene," "Another Day in Paradise" and "American Child;" and as a songwriter for other artists including "I'm Alright" and "Bye Bye" (Jo Dee Messina), "My Next Thirty Years" and "For A Little While" (Tim McGraw), "Right on the Money" (Alan Jackson), and more.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson, Jeff Bates, "American Idol: Season Four" runner up Bo Bice, Lane Brody, Jason Michael Carroll, Erika Jo, Billy Gilman, Josh Gracin, Andy Griggs, Con Hunley, Jack Ingram, Jamey Johnson, Mindy McCready, Joe Nichols, and Eddy Raven have also been added to the Riverfront lineup.

Single-day tickets for the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages will be sold the day of each show at the gate for $16 each. Children 6 and younger are admitted free of charge.

The opening festivities are just the start of more than 30 hours of performances covering the entire range of Country Music from today's rising stars, to legends, bluegrass, and more at the Greased Lightning Daytime Stages. Over the four day event, more than 100 artists are scheduled to perform during the Daytime Concerts.

The full schedule can be found at CMAFest.com

The National Anthem will be sung by Deborah Allen on June 5; Adam Gregory on June 6; Rhonda Towns on June 7; and Lane Brody on Sunday, June 8.

Each day's concert schedule is broken down into hosted segments. Among the hosts scheduled to appear during the Daytime Concerts are: "GAC Nights" host Suzanne Alexander; GAC "Master Series" host and WSM-AM/Nashville personality Bill Cody; owner Country Air Check and host of the weekly "CMT Country Countdown USA" Lon Helton; The Tennessean celebrity and entertainment columnist Beverly Keel; GAC "Grand Ole Opry Live" host Nan Kelley; GAC "Country Music Across America" host Storme Warren; and performer Billy Yates. Special appearances will also be made by some of the ABC Daytime actors on Saturday, June 7.

Greased Lightning has been a title sponsor of the Daytime Stages since 2002.

"We are excited about our eighth year at the CMA Music Festival" said Helmut Baker, Greased Lightning Vice President of Household Products. "We enjoy connecting with the Country Music fan base attending all the great concerts and hope everyone will get a chance to come by one of our booths at the Festival."

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artist appearances and more, visit www.CMAfest.com.

Labels: CMA Music Festival, Jo Dee Messina, Phil Vassar

Entertainment superstars, Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson, announced today they will play additional 2 Worlds 2 Voices tour dates this fall.

The unique tour, combining both superstar bands and both superstar acts on one stage for a combined non-stop set, sold out 15 markets from mid-January to mid-February of 2008. The tour received unanimous rave reviews. Today, the power vocalists announced 24 additional show dates beginning September 25 in Winnipeg and ending November 22 in Baltimore.

Steve Moore of MEG/AEG LIVE Nashville will again promote the entire tour.

"We were thrilled to bring this unprecedented concept to the marketplace earlier this year. The demand for additional shows has been overwhelming," Moore said.

Concert attendees can again expect to hear each act’s biggest hits and favorite songs performed together in one seamless, no-intermission show.

Tickets for the Winnipeg show go on sale June 13th, with the remaining on-sales rolling out in the coming weeks. Fans can find out more, including ticket outlets, by visiting www.reba.com or www.kellyclarkson.com.

Labels: Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire

Carter's Chord, the musically-preordained trio on ShowDog Nashville, will release their self-titled debut through all major online retailers on June 17. The albums physical release is expected later this year.

Produced by Toby Keith and Barny Robertson, the trio's father, Carter's Chord captures the music of sisters Becky, Emily and Joanna Robertson. The trio's musical pedigree traces to infancy and accomplished parents Barny and Carter Robertson, who toured in Waylon Jennings band until the birth oftheir oldest daughter Becky. The group's name is an homage to their mother.

Carter's Chord includes 10 tracks, five written by Becky, Emily or Joanna,and a backing vocal (on "Summer Early '60s") by their mother Carter, who is also the song's composer. The album also features the band's new single"Different Breed."

In addition to their own contributions, Carter's Chord enlisted some of Nashville's most accomplished writers as they compiled songs for the project. Hillary Lindsey ("Jesus Take The Wheel"), Scooter Caruso ("Better Than A Memory"), Aimee Mayo ("Amazed"), Craig Wiseman ("Love Me If YouCan"), Sarah Buxton ("Stupid Boy"), Carolyn Dawn Johnson ("Georgia") and Kim Ritchey ("Believe Me Baby I Lied") all receive writing credits on the album.

Becky, Emily and Joanna made their major label debut as children, singing on Waylon Jennings' country album for kids, Cowboys, Sisters, Rascals & Dirt.Their immersion in music led them almost inevitably to Nashville, where Toby Keith was one of many instant fans taken in by their incomparable sibling harmony. They will tour with Keith, Montgomery Gentry and Trailer Choir on Keith's "Biggest & Baddest Tour", running June through Fall 2008.

Carter's Chord track listing:
1. Boys Like You (Give Love A Bad Name)
2. Young Love
3. Summer Early '60s
4. When We Get There
5. Dear Baltimore
6. Different Breed
7. Over You
8. Song Of Blue
9. Can't Seem To Let You Go
10. Goodbye Song

Labels: Carter's Chord, Toby Keith

The triple-platinum Taylor Swift released the fifth single from her debut album to radio this morning. "Should've Said No" was wrote solely by Swift. Although it will be digitally available to radio today, it officially goes to adds on Mon., May 19.

Swift will debut the track nationally on Sunday night's Academy of Country Music Awards. She is nominated for Album of the Year (Taylor Swift), Top New Female Vocalist, and Female Vocalist of the Year.

Last night in Nashville, Swift and Big Machine Records celebrated her debut album going triple platinum. Her sophomore album is due in the fall.

Labels: Taylor Swift

Reigning Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Carrie Underwood became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight, inducted by fellow Oklahoman, Opry member Garth Brooks, before a sold-out Opry House audience.
Presenting Underwood with the Opry Member Award, Brooks said, "Nothing will last as long or be more important than this award right here tonight. Congratulations."

Giving the award a kiss, Underwood beamed, "This is going to have a very special place in my awards case." Her voice breaking, she continued, "I want to thank everybody at the Opry for having me as part of your family because it is such a great family to be a part of... it really means everything to me. I am so blessed."

Underwood made her Grand Ole Opry debut on June 10, 2005, just two weeks after winning American Idol.

"Since her debut nearly three years ago, Carrie has not only created many memorable Opry moments with her numerous appearances and extraordinary talents, but she has also shown us that she shares a heartfelt connection and a commitment to country music and its rich legacy," Opry Vice President and General Manger Pete Fisher said in March following Underwood's Opry invitation. "We could not be happier to welcome Carrie into the Opry family tonight," he said this evening. "We look forward to many Opry performances in the future and to all of the bright moments that her future holds."

The induction aired live on Opry Live on GAC: Great American Country. The Opry Member Award presented to Underwood is a 14-inch bronze and oak wood replica of the Opry's vintage microphone stand designed by renowned sculptor Bill Rains.

Underwood's next scheduled Opry appearance is set for Tuesday, June 3, when she will join Montgomery Gentry, The Oak Ridge Boys, Luke Bryan, and more on the Opry stage on the eve of the CMA Music Festival.


It's Carrie Week at the Opry Live YouTube Channel!

Visit www.youtube.com/oprylive each day this week to see a new performance by Carrie from Opry Live, beginning with her new single "Last Name" from her induction night.

Click below to watch the moment of induction by Garth Brooks:

http://www.youtube.com/oprylive

Labels: Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Grand Ole Opry

CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carrie Underwood will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight, Sat., May 10, in Nashville.

Underwood made her Grand Ole Opry performance debut on June 10, 2005, just two weeks after winning American Idol. She was asked to join 2 1/2 years later by Randy Travis.

During the ceremony, Underwood will also presented the Opry Member Award, a 14-inch bronze and oak wood replica of the Opry's vintage microphone stand designed by renowned sculptor Bill Rains.

You can watch Underwood perform and be inducted on GAC's "Grand Ole Opry Live" at 8/7C. You can also stream the Opry live on WSM 650AM here.

Labels: Carrie Underwood

John Michael Montgomery, brother to Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry and country superstar in his own right, is currently in checked into a rehabilitation center. His condition is unknown.

A statement from John Michael Montgomery's Stringtown record label explains that the artist has "voluntarily checked himself into a rehabilitation treatment center at an undisclosed location for substance abuse (due to severe anxiety attacks and sleep disorder) and has cancelled all concert dates and personal appearances for the next 30 days."

"I will be disappearing for a while to try and defeat the demons that have stripped me of my energy of life and good health for so many years now," Montgomery said on a statement posted on his site. "I assure you that however long it may take, I'm gonna fight to the end and come out stronger."

The label will continue working his current single "If You Ever Went Away." Montgomery is known for his hits "Sold (The Grunty County Auction Incident)," "I Swear," and "Letters From Home."

Labels: John Michael Montgomery, Montgomery Gentry

Trace Adkins, a former oil roughneck, has written and recorded a song called "Black Gold" that will open an upcoming truTV series of the same name.

The show, which premieres 10/9C PM on June 18, follows three drilling crews in their quest for oil in West Texas.

Before he was a country star, Adkins, 46, of Sarepta, La., worked as a roughneck and derrickman on offshore drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Trace knows that the men featured in 'Black Gold' are drilling for oil on our soil, an important but dangerous job, where loss of life or limb is not uncommon," said Marc Juris, executive vice president and general manager of truTV. His understanding of these men and what they face really comes through in his lyrics."

Adkins has kept a high-profile in recent months. He was runner-up on NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice," appeared in CBS' "The Young and the Restless" and won best male video for "I Got My Game On" at the Country Music Television awards.

The singer's other hits include "You're Gonna Miss This," "Honky-tonk Badonkadonk" and "Ladies Love Country Boys."

Labels: Trace Adkins

Crooner Rod Stewart has a dream - a country and western album. The 63 year-old has done quite a few projects lately, including several standards albums, but is yet to record a country project.

"There's a Country (and) Western album I'd love to do, although the record company doesn't want it," he said. "We are still in the throes of talking about it. I very much doubt whether we will get it done this year."

Stewarts four-part "Great American Songbook Collection," which features a collaboration with Dolly Parton, has sold over 15 million copies in the United States.

Stewart's career stretches back to 1964 and includes a Grammy award, the U.S. music industry's highest honor, as well as his 1994 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has sold millions of records with hits such as "Maggie May," "Tonight's the Night," and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?"

Labels: Rod Stewart

Sara Evans and Maroon 5 blend their worlds of country and pop on CMT Crossroads: Maroon 5 and Sara Evans premiering tonight, Fri. May 9, at 9/8C PM.

"I've been excited to do Crossroads since CMT first started the show," shares Evans. "When you are a fan of someone, like I am of Maroon 5, and then you hear them singing and playing your music, it is such an honor. Adam and I had such great chemistry and this was an absolutely amazing experience."

The one-hour special was taped before an invitation only audience in Nashville and features Evans' hits including "I Could Not Ask For More" and her new single "Some Things Never Change," as well as the Maroon 5 hits "This Love," "She Will Be Loved," and a few surprises. Entertainment Weekly gives the show an A- and touts "CMT produces its hottest concert yet, pairing crooner Sara Evans and Maroon 5's Adam Levine."

Labels: CMT, Sara Evans

Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn: "[Being a legend is] generally tied to hell-raising, wild-and-crazy stories and a lifetime of great music. Eddy Arnold was certainly a great singer, but ‘class' is the word I think of when I think of him -- a man with a sense of dignity and integrity that can only be described as one of a kind."

Garth Brooks: "What Eddy Arnold accomplished as an artist and as a man is why all of us artists today in any format should remain more than humble.

LeAnn Rimes: "He was an amazing man who not only had a beautiful voice and was groundbreaking in so many ways, but also he set the highest standard for being a gentleman. He was kind to everyone and maintained a level of class that we could all learn from."

The Academy of Country Music today announced that country music superstars Toby Keith, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes will perform during the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards and that Kenny Chesney and George Strait will perform a special live duet for the first time ever. 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 ET on the CBS Television Network.

The Academy also announced that Criss Angel, Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn, Kaley Cuoco, Sara Evans, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Brad Mates of Emerson Drive, Dr. Phil & Robin McGraw, Randy Owen, John Rich, Carrie Underwood, Clay Walker and Trisha Yearwood will make special appearances.

As a special performance, superstars Kenny Chesney and George Strait will perform their duet "Shiftwork" from Chesney's album Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. This will be the first time the pair have performed this song live. Both Chesney and Strait are nominated for multiple Academy of Country Music awards, including Entertainer of the Year which fans can vote for at http://www.voteacm.com/.

The artists announced today will join Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Sugarland Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban who were previously announced as performers. Reba McEntire will host the event for the tenth time.

Labels: Academy of Country Music

Eddy Arnold, whose mellow baritone on songs like "Make the World Go Away" made him one of the most successful country singers in history, died Thursday morning, days short of his 90th birthday.

Don Cusic, a professor at Belmont University and author of the biography "Eddy Arnold: I'll Hold You in My Heart." His wife of 66 years, Sally, had died in March, and in the same month, Arnold fell outside his home, injuring his hip.

Arnold's vocals on songs like the 1965 "Make the World Go Away," one of his many No. 1 country hits and a top 10 hit on the pop charts, made him one of the most successful country singers in history.

Folksy yet sophisticated, he became a pioneer of "The Nashville Sound," also called "countrypolitan," a mixture of country and pop styles. His crossover success paved the way for later singers such as Kenny Rogers.

"I sing a little country, I sing a little pop and I sing a little folk, and it all goes together," he said in 1970.

He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966. The following year he was the first person to receive the entertainer of the year award from the Country Music Association.

The reference book "Top Country Singles 1944-1993,'" by Joel Whitburn, ranked Arnold the No. 1 country singer in terms of overall success on the Billboard country charts. It lists his first No. 1 hit as "It's a Sin," 1947, and for the following year ranks his "Bouquet of Roses" as the biggest hit of the entire year.

Other hits included "Cattle Call," "The Last Word in Lonesome Is Me," "Anytime," "Bouquet of Roses," "What's He Doing in My World?" "I Want to Go With You," "Somebody Like Me," "Lonely Again" and "Turn the World Around."

Most of his hits were done in association with famed guitarist Chet Atkins, the producer on most of the recording sessions.

Reflecting on his career, he said he never copied anyone. "I really had an idea about how I wanted to sing from the very beginning," he said.

He revitalized his career in the 1960s by adding strings, a controversial move for a country artist back then.

"I got to thinking, if I just took the same kind of songs I'd been singing and added violins to them, I'd have a new sound. They cussed me, but the disc jockeys grabbed it. The artists began to say, 'Aww, he's left us.' Then within a year, they were doing it!"

Arnold was born May 15, 1918, on a farm near Henderson, Tenn., the son of a sharecropper. He sang on radio stations in Jackson, Tenn., Memphis, Tenn., and St. Louis before becoming nationally known.

Early in his career, his manager was Col. Tom Parker, who later became Elvis Presley's manager.

His image was always that of a modest, clean-cut country boy.

"You cannot satisfy all the people," he once said. "They have an image of me. Some people think I'm Billy Graham's half brother, but I'm not. I want people to get this hero thing off their mind and just let me be me."

Survivors include a son and daughter.

Labels: Eddy Arnold

Country superstar Alan Jackson is the most-nominated artist in Country Music Association history. But he's looking to set another record this month and he's having a "Good Time" doing it.

It takes a massive casting call to put together a music video on this scale. "It's gonna sweep across the city and across and across state lines up into Kentucky," said Trey Lovejoy.

They are creating the world's longest line dance.

"This has been the most challenging, overwhelming job I think I've ever done in my career," Lovejoy said.

That's the storyline for Jackson's new video. His outdoor stage is set at the end of Highway 840 near Dickson and he's singing his newest release, "Good Time."

"It's perfect for the summer and this video with the line dancing thing will be pretty cool," Jackson said. "It'll be a good summer record."

Nancy Pfeifer and friends traveled from Oklahoma to dance in the video. "A couple of us made real quick reservations, got rental cars reserved because this was something we didn't want to miss," she said.

Christy Fraser is a dental assistant most days, but she knows the choreographer. "She said they were looking for dancers and I said,' How good do I have to be?" Fraser said.

The video also called for a news reporter, which local reporter Amy Watson portrayed for the video. She said it was a chance of a lifet