RAVE & SUGAR (Items on Sugarland, Kellie Pickler, Ashton Shepherd, George Strait, Travis Tritt, George Strait, Kristy Lee Cook, MG, Jewel, Keith)

Sugarland will romp across (about half of) America on their upcoming tour, which starts September 13 in North Carolina. Kellie Pickler and Ashton Shepherd will provide support on (most of) the trek.

Fresh Cuts: According to Country Standard Time, George Strait has another Christmas album ready to go for '08. Landing in October, it's his first full holiday disc since that Hallmark deal-hickey he released in '06.

Not the Bush League: Travis Tritt will guest on Jerry Douglas' upcoming album, along with Rodney Crowell, Earl Scruggs and Sam Bush, among others.

Something Cooking: Kristy Lee Cook, the country gal mostly picked on while she was on the past season of "American Idol," has landed a recording deal, according to OK! magazine. She'll be teamed with the writer of "Jesus, Take the Wheel" with her first single due August 11. Meanwhile, there's no word on whether the disc will include (another) cover of The Beatles' "Eight Days a Week."
Here's the performance of that calendar-busting classic and what Simon and the others had to say...



Remote Patrol: Regis & Kelly welcome Montgomery Gentry tomorrow...A Jimmy Kimmel repeat Wednesday will feature Jewel...Ditto Keith Urban on an Ellen do-over mid-week...John Haitt will land on Craig Ferguson Thursday.

THE McGRAW BRAWL (Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Cher, Merle Haggard, Randy Owen, Mindy McCready, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban)

The chap pulled from an Auburn, Washington audience by Tim McGraw and a booted from the show holds no grudge against the singer...
"Marcus Nirschl said that he was shoved while trying to get to his seat," and it was all a misunderstanding.
Meanwhile, during an interview with Zany & the Morning Zoo (or whatever they're called) in Detriot, Marcus tells his side of the story...and Zany (or one of the Zoo members) sez that Tim cold-cocked someone once and "has a history...of being a little violent."
Meanwhile, the single dad is considering legal action...and is 290 lbs. (nice pull Tim! and stage personnel!).

Boot Scootin' May Cause Damage: Wow! Brooks & Dunn are getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A Real Fine Place: Marriage, "Million Dollar Password," and...34 new road dates for Sara Evans.

I Got You, Hag: I'd heard that Cher was hanging in Nashville this week and I wondered if she was going country. Nah, apparently she justed wanted to catch Merle Haggard. Meanwhile, a wannabe Sonny accosted Cher (not the dude Tim McGraw bumped from his concert this week) at Tootsie's...twice (and he asked to be arrested), but she didn't press charges.

Alabama Song: Randy Owen really wants your money on November 11; in addition to releasing his debut solo album, he'll be putting out his autobiography in print.

Are You Kidding Me?: Mindy McCready has been arrested again! The whole deal-hickey involves allegedly falsifying her (court ordered) community service record....Oh, wait, Mindy's been released, and actually turned herself in to authorities.

What was I Syncin'?: Dierks Bentley roams the parking lots at his shows, surprising fans...and performing karaoke.

Eating Up Nashville: Flush with a little one on the way, Nicole Kidman grabbed a salad this week and headed to the Music City radio station where hubby Keith Urban was being interviewed. The next day, the pair and a pal noshed at Whole Foods (only one of the greatest vittles emporiums ever)....after the Lamaze-practicing couple had breakfast and coffee at Starbucks.

LOOKIN' FOR A GOOD TIME (Items on Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Carter's Chord, SheDaisy, Sara Evans, Blake Shelton)

The kids from Lady Antebellum will perform a pre-race concert and sing the National Anthem prior to the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 race at Daytona on the 5th of July (the same day the group's Dave Haywood hits 26 candles).
Also from the Antebellum mansion, CMT.com's Craig Shelburne sez you can count the trio's debut as one of the year's top 10 new albums worth checking out.
Meanwhile, the 'Bellums will soon be featured on ads on Lifetime TV encouraging women to vote and in Redbook magazine. And...with "Love Don't Live Here" covering country radio right now like a blanket, the group was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year by the readers of Music Row.
BTW: Here's what else Music Row audience had to say about the best from, um, Music Row, this year, including naming Brad Paisley's great "Letter to Me" Song of the Year, eight years after one of his early hits won the same award.

Bluegrass Boy at Heart: Ricky Skaggs has re-recorded 12 of his #1 country hits for a new bluegrass collection that sounds yummy...speaking of which, it'll be the latest release available at Cracker Barrel.

Songs of the South: An album of Disney-related ditties sung by country artists hits stores next Tuesday, bookended by the pappy of Disney's latest cash cow. And surprise! A bunch of Lyric Street (Disney's Nashville imprint) artists are on board...

Striking a Chord: ...one of those LS artists, of course, is the sister act SheDaisy. Another trio of sisters making the rounds these days is Show Dog Records' Carter's Chord and the splendid country news site The 9513 has a fun and illuminating interview with them (psst! Becky is the messiest; Emily is the Jan Brady and Joanna digs...Fiona Apple)...and their parents sang along with Waylon and Jessi way back when.

Sheagle's Nest: Back to SheDaisy...The sisters Osborn want to clear up a li'l misunderstanding about eagles...and mattresses.

Born to Try: Sara Evans' appearance on "Million Dollar Password" on CBS airs this Sunday night. Her website has a sneak peek that's pretty fun....also from the Remote Patrol: former judge Blake Shelton will be going "Home" to "Nashville Star" this Monday.

I AIN'T LOOKING FOR TROUBLE... (Items on Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, Jessica Simpson)

You go, Tim McGraw!
While he was into his Auburn, Washington, 2008 rendition of the song that laid the groundwork for a career full of great music, "Indian Outlaw," during a concert, Tim McGraw caught a dude attacking a female fan near the stage...and literally pulled the guy onstage and then out of the arena on his keister...I'd provide you video, but Harvey Levin and the good folks at TMZ.com apparently don't like to share, so this link will have to do.
Oh, wait a minute! Thank you, YouTube!...



Redbird-Neck Girl: Gretchen Wilson is participating in a competition involving one of the greatest sonsg ever written. The ESPN empire commissioned nine musical artists to record and make music videos for "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," written one hundred years ago.
Starting Sunday night, viewers to the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" will have the opportunity to vote on the best of the nine versions, and, yeah, I'm partial to Gretchen, a St. Louis Cards fans, I believe...and here's her rendition of the grand ole song from the grand ole game...



In other news from the stitched ball, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck is part of a new quartet with a platter that matters concerning the grand ole game. The Baseball Project features a select set of baseball- and baseball-inspired- ditties...here's more.

...And as Long as I'm Clip-Crazy Today: Here's Jessica Simpson...live, on the internet, from today's edition of "The View"...

WHAT THEY DO BEST (Items on Travis Tritt, Marty Stuart, Johnny Cash)

Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart made some memorable music together back in the '90's and they're doin' it again! The pair are set to pair again on an acoustic romp this year. According to Travis' website, here are the confirmed cities:

Madison WI - Sept. 20
Temecula, CA – Nov. 1
Phoenix, AZ – Nov. 2
Modesto CA - Nov. 5
Wheeling, WV – Nov. 13
Charlottesville, VA – Nov. 14
Harrisburg, PA – Nov. 15
Troy NY - Nov. 16
Easton PA – Nov. 19
Indiana PA – Nov. 20
Wilmington DE – Nov. 21

Ironically, Where Cash is Not Accepted: Johnny Cash's parents' house is for sale...on eBay.

AMERICA'S NEXT DROPPED MODEL (Items on Nashville Star, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Julianne Hough)

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" as Justin Gaston sang last night on "Nashville Star," but the boy himself didn't as the model/singer's stint in the competition ran out of gas. Here's Monday night's "Star" blow-by-blow from the Houston Chronicle.
Meanwhile, last week's dropees, Third Town, are bitter, particularly toward John Rich.
Also, "America's Got Talent" has talent and "Nashville Star" doesn't, according to the dueling opinions in this entertaining piece.
And...GAC's "Origins" program will feature Jewel's, um, origins, including the period when she lived in a van (not down by the river but in) San Diego.

Swiftly: Taylor Swift had a pretty good week last week; this one's turning out to be better...
She's back at #1 on the country albums chart with her eponymous debut CD...Which was just certified triple-platinum for three million sold...Meanwhile, her ditties have been streamed 50 million times on MySpace...Meanwhile, a half-million phones are playing "Our Song" whenever there's a call.

Why Don't You Stray: Sugarland has had to drop out of a gig at Wrigley Field in Chicago tonight as the Cubbies take on the Orioles. No problem: Julianne Hough will be there.

B&D/ZZ STOPS (Items on B&D, ZZ Top, BRC, Shania, Johnny, Emmylou, Dierks Bentley, Garth, CDB, June, Kris, Keith Urban)

Brooks & Dunn will traipse across the U.S. and Canada in August and September, teaming up for a series of dates, LiveDaily reports. While Kix & Ronnie have a tour going through December in support of "Cowboy Town," dovetailing dates on Kenny Chesney's "Poets & Pirates" opus, the Zeds are wrapping up a tour this week before resuming with the co-B&D dates.
The bearded lads release a live CD tomorrow and hope to have a new studio album done and in stores by the time their new outing starts.

"Billy Ray Cyrus is a Cheeseball Country Singer with a Bushy Mullet:" The Onion's A.V. Club's words, not mine, in actually heaping praise on BRC for his cameo in the film "Mulholland Dr." He's #7 on their hit parade of "Stellar Cinematic One-Scene Wonders." And, oh, by the way, their choice for #1 is right on!

"Entertainment" Not Right: I wondered why Entertainment Weekly's list of the 100 best albums of the last quarter-century was really light on country (Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams...and that's it). So does CMT blogger Edward Morris.

Then Came Bronson: Fred Bronson's always fascinating Chart Beat column in Billboard is particularly enthralling this week...
First up is a piece on Capitol Records' lineage in the top two slots of the the pop singles chart. The label is poised to make history and it's a road paved by, among others, Sonny James and Bobbie Gentry.
Then we find out that Emmylou Harris' "All I Intended to Be," by entering the Country Albums chart at #4, makes it her highest-charter there in almost 30 years...and by entering the Top 200 Albums chart at #22, it's already her second-highest charter there.
Here's a review of Emmylou's platter here.

Capitol Idea: I think Dierks Bentley's "What was I Thinkin'" is one of country best singles of the '00's. 'Turns out he only turned out the song after his label sicced the legend of Garth Brooks on him.

The Good Hands People: The Charlie Daniels Band and Craig Morgan will entertain with sets before the Allstate 400 Brickyard NASCAR race on July 27.

Remote Patrol: A "Regis & Kelly" repeat tomorrow features Taylor Swift..."The View" has Jessica Simpson on tap for Wednesday...Dave has Tift Merritt Wednesday...Leno repeats feature Sheryl Crow Thursday and Trace Adkins Friday.

Carter Country: June Carter Cash would have celebrated her 79th birthday today. Thanks to a You Tube poster, here she is with the song she (co-) wrote for Johnny...maybe the greatest song by a lover about their lover and their love...



Kris Shingles: Kris Kristofferson's candle-count reached 72 Sunday and here's a tribute to "The World's Biggest Badass."

Who Wouldn't What to be She: Nicole Kidman hit 41 Friday, and the day after, her hubby had a crowd 50,000 strong at Soldier Field (Home of Da Bears) serenade her with "Happy Birthday."
Meanwhile, Nic is happy to be "nesting" with Keith in Nashville. But Music City is an "escape," while the couples' place in Sydney, Australia is home for the Kid-bearing woman..

VAN LEAR PROSE* (Items on Loretta, Sara Evans, Toby, Tanya Tucker, Glen Campbell, Merle, Dolly, Jamie O'Neal, Taylor Swift, Jimmy Wayne, Snoop Dogg)

Loretta Lynn's induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame led to an incredible performance, according to a great CMT.com report from Jim Allen. Lee Ann Womack, Blake Shelton and Anne Murray were there, too. So was Paul Anka, who apparently scared the hell out of the audience.

Born to Buy: Sara Evans gave the people at People the first look at her wedding album, but the people at People are only sharing one photo online, for the rest, y'all have to buy the current issue.

Beer for My Sequel: Toby Keith's movie "Beer for My Horses" isn't due until August 8, but he's already thinking about a sequel.

Tuckersfield: I knew about Tanya Tucker and Glen Campbell...but Tanya and Merle Haggard? Where was I?

Celtic Barbie: The dynamo that is Dolly, from an Irish perspective...here.

When I Think About Jamie: Jamie O'Neal will have a single out any second and an album out later this year...make that next year, maybe.

OMG!: Taylor Swift's week in three words: incredible, surreal and awesome.

Wayne Gang: Jimmy Wayne's new album is ready and will be delivered in August.

Pre-Post-Script: I've mentioned that Snoop Dogg is going country and his video, "My Medicine," is available at his website with a famous Austin resident, that I'll call Willie Nelson, who shares his prescription appearing...or you can just watch it here:



*I know I've used the term before, but it is especially appropriate here.

MORE WHERE THAT CAME FROM (Lee Ann Womack, Loretta Lynn, The Wreckers, Lonestar, Jason Aldean, Bucky Covington, John Rich, Blake Shelton, Jewel)

One of country music's finest of the last decade is Lee Ann Womack...and she's back! Her new single, "Last Call," lands on the radio at the end of the month and an album, "Call Me Crazy." falls in the autumn. Meanwhile Lee Ann will be in NYC tonight singing in tribute to Loretta Lynn as the latter is inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Branching Out: Michelle Branch (ex-of The Wreckers) is not only baking sweets (and blogging about baking sweets), she's baking up a solo country album, sez GAC. The disc, due by the end of the year, will feature a duet with Dwight Yoakam.
Meanwhile, she hopes there's another Wreckers album in the future.
The former duo's Jessica Harp already has a solo set in the works.

Bristol Stomp: City leaders in Bristol want to market "the birthplace of country music" and bring on the tourists. Ideas so far: renaming streets for legends and a Bristol Grand Ol' Opry.

All-American Lawsuit: The headline says it all: "A Family Claims They Were Assaulted at The Carrie Underwood Concert."

'Lone Again, Unnaturally: Lonestar's first CD proper with new lead singer Cody Collins will get get most of its distribution online/digitally. Hell, why even bother with album artwork? "Printing CDs and all that stuff is very time consuming and expensive. It’s so much easier just to give people a code and let ‘em download it," sez 'Star Michael Britt.

Relentless: Jason Aldean's first record? Alabama's "Mountain Music," which he made his folks buy him at age 6, we learn as he's caught up with in Arizona.

You Mean Taylor Swift's Label?: "I'm not concerned with making music for the big machine--the farm's paid for," sez Aaron Tippin, currently working on a bluegrass effort.

Bachelors Confirmed: Bucky Covington, John Rich, Blake Shelton and Kid Rock are all among People magazine's Hottest Bachelors of 2008 in an issue that lands tomorrow, Dial-Global reports.

You Were Meant for Thursdee: If you're sore at yourself for missing Jewel's appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last night, don't be so hard on yourself. It was postponed and she'll appear on ABC's late night laugher tonight instead.
Speaking of Jewel, who, you know, yodels...Taylor Ware, the yodeling pixie from the last season of NBC's "America's Got Talent" (whose new season got underway Tuesday), is headed to Carnegie Hall.

BIGGER "STAR" (Items on Nashville Star, Sara Evans, Joe Diffie, Janie Fricke, Miley, KC, Jerry Lee, Rascal Flatts, The Wreckers, Deana Carter)

NBC will extend "Nashville Star" to two hours for the next two weeks.
Also on the Remote Patrol, newlywed Sara Evans is set to perform on an NBC figure-skating special that tapes October 15 and will air on NBC ten days later.
Speaking of so many shows on NBC, it really stinks that Joe Diffie can't get The Peacock on his tour bus.
Janie Fricke, supporting her new "Roses and Lace" disc, hits the Grand Ole Opry this weekend.
...and OMG!, Miley will host the Teen Choice Awards and has four nominations.
Also on the RM, 4th of July edition: Kenny Chesney ("No one sells more tickets or plays to bigger audiences — not Madonna, not Springsteen, not the Stones. Over the past six summers, Chesney has sold more than a million tickets a year, making him the biggest-selling act of the 21st century.") will perform at the Macy's 4th of July celebration, which NBC will televise, sez Dial Global radio...Meanwhile, a California couple were especially glad to have a KC aboard their wedding ceremony...and Jerry Lee Lewis will appear on PBS' "A Capitol Fourth" special, along with Olympic gold medal winner Scott, who did you know, by the way, sang on Brad Paisley's, "Alcohol?"...Meanwhile, Rascal Flatts will roll out the songbook on the "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" over at CBS.

Mmmm! Leave the Pieces!: Michelle Branch, late of The Wreckers, plans to open a bakery in Nashville. "When I was a little girl I would sneak into the kitchen and sift out a few cups of flour and mix it with water just to play with the dough," she sez. Alrighty then...

Carter Country: Life on the road with Deana Carter...psst! She loves a spot in Boston frequented by John F. Kennedy and (maybe) Paul Revere.

B-I-N-G-O-!: That Country Crossing deal-hickey in Alabama is benefiting locals already, thanks to John Anderson, Lorrie Morgan, Tracey Lawrence and George Jones.

(Not) Lone Stars: Tracy Byrd, Mark Chesnutt and Clay Walker are among the Texas natives wanting to sing to help restore the Texas Governor's Mansion, torched in a June 8 arson fire.

Let It Roll: Mel McDaniel on the road...let's catch up.

THIRD TOWN, SECOND DOWN (Items on Nashville Star, John Rich, Billy Ray & Miley, Dolly, Carter Family, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Joe Nichols)

While "Nashville Star's" judges spared Third Town last week, this week the viewers gave the Vegas trio a ticket to Palookaville, marking the second act axed from the NBC country competition. Meanwhile, here's a week two rundown, lierally, from the Houston Chronicle...plus, is (judge) John Rich "out of control?"

"The More You Stomp in Poop, the More it Stinks:" I'm sorry, but I gotta say it...The more Billy Ray Cyrus talks about his daughter's photos in Vanity Fair, the worse he sounds...talking about Miley's controversial solo shoot and her photo with BRC.

Am I Blue...: The Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame inducted its inaugural class last Friday. Initial inductees included Dolly Parton and, of course, The Carter Family.

Yes, I'm Blue: The gang at Blue Highways TV have a postscript on the Delfest festival in Cumberland, Maryland on Memorial Day weekend, at which I was honored to introduce, Del, his band, Dierks Bentley and especially Del and his family.
The channel was there and will be airing highlights later this summer.

Speaking of Emceeing: Taylor Swift's loving hosting MTV's "TRL" this week, but she's having microphone problems....Meanwhile, she'll soon be in the music and apparel sections at your local Walmart. The collection available for your purchasing pleasure will include two "Walmart" exclusives and alternative versions of several Swift hits.

Have Faith: Faith Hill's Christmas CD will be released on September 16. In addition to traditionals, there's a couple of 20th century yuletide faves and a new song, “A Baby Changes Everything.”

Saginawheartsville: A bit on Joe Nichols as he prepares to entertain the faithful in Michigan.

ROLL, 'TIDE! (Items on Sara Evans, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Josh Gracin, Terri Clark, Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Jewel, John Hiatt, Johnny Cash)

That was a quick engagement!
Sara Evans and former Alabama QB Jay Barker said "Come on Down!" Saturday at a farm near her Tennessee homestead, exchanging nuptials and "I Do's."
The couple's collective brood (Sara's three youngsters and Jay's four from their previous marriages) served as attendents and Sara's son Avery walked her down the aisle.
The people at People have a bunch more about the whole deal-hickey...

What'd Ya Expect?: "Country Weekly" reports good news for one of my faves; Carolyn Dawn Johnson and her hubby are expecting their first li'l one this fall....Meanwhile, the mag sez another Gracin will be gracin' the Josh and Ann Marie Gracin household come later this year.

Fender Blender: Terri Clark is getting her own Fender Signature guitar.
The Terri Clark Fender Acoustic Guitar is natural and classic, but is embellished with features that set it apart from all others, such as the exquisite abalone and pearl "TC" headstock inlay, sez her record label.
“For as long as I can remember, the guitar has been like my right arm. I started playing at a very young age, even before I took up singing. It has been my compadre and the first thing I look to when I need a friend." Terri adds.

Remote Patrol: Taylor Swift begins a week of co-hosting MTV's "TRL" just as I'm typing this...and appears on an Ellen DeGeneres repeat Thursday...Trace Adkins is the guest tonight on "Nashville Star." Meanwhile, "Black Gold," the truTV show that Trace provides the theme song for, premieres Wednesday night..."Nash Star's" Jewel joins Jay Leno Tuesday night...Craig Ferguson has John Hiatt the same night...Meanwhile, Jewel heads to Jimmy Kimmel Wednesday evening....Back in February, I mentioned a Washington state teenager who was "the reincarnation of Johnny Cash." Here he is from a "Good Morning America" performance of "Ring of Fire:"



Coda: A personal indulgence (again) but it's my blog: Can anyone, anyone?!?! Explain to me why Major League Baseball (and the former car salesman who runs it) canceled the annual Hall of Fame game, circa this year?

FROM JIMMIE RODGERS TO TAYLOR SWIFT? (Items on Country Music, John Rich, Nashville Star, Can You Duet, Tim Russert, Danny Davis)

The history of country music will be chronicled in a series (of self-contained, original films) to be produced by, in part, by Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (along with, among others, a guy that looks like Drew Carey).
Segments will be thematically divided: "The Roots of Country and Bluegrass," "The Honky Tonk Tradition," "Outlaw Country," "The Nashville Sound," "The Politics of Country," "Country Songs and Songwriters," "California Country" and "No Depression" (a glace at alt.country). They'll eventually make it to DVD, etc. after a television airing...somewhere (Are you listening PBS?).
Meanwhile, I dunno if I've ever been so excited to read a book after reading Jonathan Yardley's Washington Post review of Dana Jennings's "Sing Me Home," which sounds like a ripping spin on country music history...and growing up on country music.

It's All About the Benjamins: John Rich continues to stomp on "American Idol:" I wouldn't want to be on that show now if you gave me a $100 bill."
John, of course, is passing judgement on "Nashville Star" this year...but starting this Monday, you get the vote. So the kids at AT&T wanted me to tell you this...
"AT&T is proud to be the official sponsor of the 7th season of “Nashville Star,” and is now offering the ability to text in your votes to “Nashville Star” for the very first time!
If you’re a “Nashville Star” fan but have never texted to vote, you just need to follow these three simple steps:
1. On your AT&T wireless phone, select Main Menu and start a new message from the Messaging folder.
2. Type in the word "STAR," and then select Send To.
3. Enter the four-digit number of the contestant(s) for whom you want to vote, and then select Send. (Contestant numbers are listed during each voting show.)"
Also from the TV singing competition stage: Caitlin Lynn of Glen Burnie, Md. and Will Snyder, of London, Ky. are the champs (crowned this week) on CMT's "Can You Duet."

Blondes have More Blurbs: Following up on the blonde post from this week, there's this....Plus, why Mindy McCready will have a great weekend...11 Questions with Alan Jackson from "the Boot"...and "13 Things May You May Not Know About Jewel" from GAC.
Meanwhile, it sounds like two blondes aren't having more fun, when it comes to each other: Carrie Underwood reportedly snubbed an appearance on Jessica Simpson's album (Unlike Dolly Parton).
What's at the meat of the matter? Meat...maybe...or could it be Tony Romo, whom both share an interest in?

Expressway to Your Wallet: I just (literally) saw a commercial for Valero fueling stations that features Rascal Flatts' version of Tom Cochran's "Life is a Highway" and wondered if their timing might be off, considering gas prices these days. So is this blogger, who also rips the Flatts to shreads at the same time.

I've Gotta Love You Forever...: Randy Travis' secret strategy when it comes to choosing which songs to record? Sticking to only the ones he loves.

Chronic Town: 'Still not sure is Snoop Dogg is serious about a country outing, but he sez, "I've been smoking so much green grass I wanted to do a bluegrass album."

Minnesota Sins: Troy Gentry returns to Minnesota, where, um, that whole bear-hunting deal-hickey went down a couple of years ago and he'd rather "not have to keep bringing up the past."

My Sins: While listing the Forbes' Celebrity 100 Power List this week, I omitted Nicole Kidman, Mrs. Keith Urban, at #57. But not Country Hound, who sniffed it out...

Loretta Live!: This might be the most entertaining concert review I've ever read.

Obits: Not Country Music, but indulge me...I have spent my Sunday mornings with Tim Russert on NBC's "Meet the Press" for (way) more than a decade. His sudden death death this week means that political discourse in America will be changed forever, but, hopefully, his way-too-short 58 years on this earth will have left its mark on how we conduct ourselves in the discussion of donkeys and elephants (be it on television, in the Nation's Capitol,...or on a street corner in Everytown, USA).
Judy Woodruff, currently of PBS (Ex-of CNN and NBC, Tim's nest, and wife of Tim's best friend, Al Hunt of Bloomberg News) said it best: "He...loved this country and his God — in a way that gave meaning to the journalism he practiced. He loved life and life clearly loved him."
On a more personal note: ...Tim ended each of our Sunday meetings by saying, "If it's Sunday, it's 'Meet the Press' on NBC."...yes, indeed...but it will never be the same...for me...and millions of others.
Danny Davis, the head of the Nashville Brass for many years, passed away this week at the age of 83.

BLONDES HAVE MORE FUN (Items on Jessica Simpson, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Bon Jovi, Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Julianne Hough)

Jessica Simpson plans on recording as a country artist exclusively from now on ("I'm planning on making country for the rest of my life, and I don't want to go back to that other world," she told The Tennessean)...and having guypal Tony Romo in her video (Jessica's dad on the Cowboys QB- and potential son-in-law: "I love Tony to death... He's just a good kid."). Sounds like Tony's cool with it; "he thinks this might be fun for them to do together."
Meanwhile, Jess' is planning on selling her intimates.
But there are still Simpson trials: She was dropped off of the 2008 Forbes Celebrity 100 Power List just released....and a recent "spit-swapping session (with Romo) was wasted."

Speaking of the Forbes' List...: At #79, Carrie Underwood was the only country artist proper to pop up, though Miley Cyrus at #35 and the Bon Jovi dudes were at #53.
Here's the complete list, led by a former Nashville resident.

Gold, Baby, Gold!: That's the album certification (a half-million sold) that Miranda Lambert received...while performing at the CMA Festival.

"Clear" the Airwaves: Jewel's country debut, "Perfectly Clear," tops the Billboard Country Albums chart in its debut stanza. Meanwhile, it landed at #8 on the Top 200 tally with 48,000 sold in its first-week in front of consumers.
Interesting thing, and maybe a first (or maybe not...to both), but the top five Country Albums this week are by blondes: Jewel on top, with Taylor Swift, last week's #1 right behind (she's north of three million sold after well over a year chart-lingering with her debut); Toby Keith's "35" biggies are #3; followed by Carrie and Julianne Hough's debut.
Also fair-haired but at #8, Alan Jackson, having a "Good Time" at #8 in his 14th week out.
...and speaking of blondes, and topping the charts: Carrie's "Last Name" has become her seventh-straight number one single.

(One More) Blonde Moment: Taylor will be plastered all over MTV soon; she'll co-host the kid's music television show TRL next week and then the cabler will feature her on "Once Upon a Prom," in which she accompanies a dateless teen (Boy, that brings back the memories!), to his prom in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (I have to say it: "Roll, 'Tide!").

Y'ALL DONE GOOD! (Items on Sara Evans, Steve Wariner, Randy Owen, Charlie Daniels)

You gotta hand it to Sara Evans. Not only did God decide to make her one of the most lovely human beings to date, but she was given a heart just as beautiful.
As she approaches her wedding, she and fiancé (former Alabama Crimson Tide QB) Jay Barker have registered with...three charities. Yeppers, the couple welcome wedding gifts, in the form of donations to The American Red Cross (with whom she's given time before), The National Eating Disorders Center and First Priority of America.
Sara, by the way, will also help several folks become millionaires when she appears on "Million Dollar Password" on CBS June 29.

Also Done Good: Steve Wariner (lamentably missing from the charts these days) received an award for his work with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)...Randy Owen, formerly of Alabama, just picked up an NAB Education Foundation's Celebration of Service to America Award on behalf of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, one of the most successful radio fund-raising events in America, for which Owen played a vital role in establishing in 1989... and Charlie Daniels, who just got the 2008 Marine Corps Coordinating Council Tennessee Leadership award at a Charlie Daniels Band Fan Club Party for members of the Tennessee community who have made great strides in civil affairs.

ALL-AMERICAN TOUR (Items on Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Dan Seals, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Merle Travis, Montgomery Gentry)

Carrie Underwood just added a new leg to her tour, stapling on new dates from mid-September to mid-December with Little Big Town along for the (Carnival) ride.
Meanwhile, Carrie will grace the cover of Cosmopolitan's July, '08 cover. Inside she reveals, "I burp a lot."

Sad News: Dan Seals is receiving radiation treatments for lymphoma, The Tennessean reports. But there's (hopefully) good news, too; “The prognosis is good,” his manager said. “He has the best medical care he can get, and he's in good spirits.”

Did Ya Know?...: That "Sixteen Tons" led the F.B.I. to investigate (singer) "Tennessee" Ernie Ford and (songwriter) Merle Travis (Both late and great, might I add?). It's true, sez Ernie's son. Ironically, Ernie was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984 and his son donated one of his dad's "most cherished honors to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum" last Friday.
...and, oh, by the way, Ernie's son has a new book about his pappy out now.

Doin' Their Thing: Not only did Montgomery Gentry's new album arrive today, but the good folks at Dillard's will not only sell it, they'll feature "life-size standees" of the duo in stores (in stores only).
Attention Dillard's Customers: Please don't steal the Montgomery Gentry "life-size standee!"

SORRY, CHARLEY (Items on Nashville Star, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Dwight Yoakam, Randy Travis, Sara Evans, Bucky Covington)

"Nashville Star" season six premiere: the day after.
The show was NBC's lowest-rated reality premiere in two years, but up 214% over last year's bow on USA. At the same time, with 6.6 million viewers, on average, it delivered the Peacock's biggest audience in the time slot outside the regular season and a 10% improvement in the 18-49 demo (that networks worship) for the time period over last summer.
The move from cable to network at least made things a lot flashier, sez this scribe.
Here's a dandy blow-by-blow, performer-by-performer, recap from last night, if ya missed it, from SheKnows.com.
If you're reading this, you're no doubt a country fan, but even those in the "non-" category can dig "Star," mainly because "the show's producers have obviously studied the "American Idol" concept and deleted what doesn't work." (My favorite deletion, personally...Seacrest out). But can "Star" actually compete with "Idol?" Nah, but it won't try to.
Meanwhile, "one of the biggest differences (between the two shows) is that "Nashville Star" contestants seem to have a passion about music; "American Idol" contestants are passionate about stardom, in most cases singing, and rarely in music as an art form."
Billy Ray Cyrus "did a decent job in his first time as the host of the show." Jewel and John Rich were up to the plate, worrying about the pitch.
BTW, did you know that "Star" shows "that country music has personality and diversity, and is not just twang and songs about your dog." (With many apologies to Ol' Red).
And finally, "the talent of these first twelve contestants that made it to the show range from mediocre to definite star quality." The first axe fell on Charley Jenkins...the premiere was the only time the judges' opinion mattered...and did they like it, did they love it? Not so much. Jewel to Charley: "I just don’t buy it." John Rich: “I like your voice a lot, when you’re not running around like you’re a Garth Brooks impersonator in Las Vegas.” (John actually wanted to dump Alyson Gilbert)...and Jeffrey Steele “You’ve got a voice there, but I hate it, I hate it, I won’t no more of it.”
But for the Charley faithful, there's this...and this.

Picture to Film: Not only did Taylor Swift appear with Billy Ray on "Star" last night, but she's also on Miley's list; She's the latest addition to "Hannah Montana: The Movie."

Shocker!: Who else will be in "HM: TM?" Miley's pappy, that's who (as he informed the crowd at the CMA Music Festival closing Sunday night). Then he launched into "Ready, Set, Don't Go" and introduced his daughter...um,...Brandi,...on to the stage.
Actually, I wish I'd been there...
If only for Dwight Yoakam's set, which built a bridge between Bakersfield and Nashville...and Memphis...and a brief set by Randy that included "Forever and Ever, Amen" (only one of the greatest songs ever)...Sara Evans pulling a Cheap Trick...and...and...um,...Bucky Covington tackling Pink Floyd.

"NASH" BRIDGES (Items on Nashville Star, John Rich, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gone Country, Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Tom Wopat, Garth & Trisha)

"Nashville Star" returns tonight for season six (the first on NBC), but this premiere episode is already in the can. The debut was recorded last Monday, though the rest of the show's run will be live.
Though one dumb blogger suggested that (season six judge) John Rich would be the meanie/Simon Cowell of the show, John says otherwise.
And the show has already eliminated one of the top 12 contestants, well before airtime; Charla Corn, a former CMT correspondent, was given the hook on "the eve of the show's first performance episode taping," Reality TV World sez, vetting The Hollywood Reporter. "It became apparent in leading up to the premiere of the show that she could not sustain the rigorous schedule. She began to have trouble with her vocals even losing her voice completely at times."
In her stead comes Third Town, a male trio, ala Rascal Flatts, down to the hairdos.
Corn does grow in Iowa, and so did Shawn Mayer, who hails from May City, population 45 (and might I be sexist for a sec and say that she's, um, WOW!...gorgeous!).
Then there's contestant Coffey Anderson, a Texas dude enjoying his cup of joe in the big leagues, plus, judge Jewel is practically a neighbor.
And did I mention that a 32 year old mom of five is competing? Yeppers....Along with a pair of best friends from Ohio who are "Singing Angels."
Plus there's this: Utah spawned David Archuleta, the "American Idol" favorite until the final verdict was delivered, but "The Beehive State" has also spawned "Nash Star" hopeful Charley Jenkins.
Meanwhile, here's more on two other contestants, a pair of Minnesota Twins, if you will (allow me the baseball pun).
Billy Ray Cyrus, meanwhile, is just happy he's the host...and not a judge...but how will BRC shield his other daughter, 8 year old Noah, from the paparazzi, even while out in the wilds, catchin' crawdads? Dunno, but Noah is as savvy as her twice-as-old sister, asking papa, "Is that Annie Leibovitz?" Leibowitz was the shutterbug behind the Miley Cyrus photos that have caused a sensation.

Mo' Tube: We already knew there was going to be a sequel to CMT's massively popular "Gone Country," but how 'bout two?
Yeppers! Maureen McCormick, Bobby Brown and Carnie Wilson of the John Rich-prexied show are teaming up for a CMT series in August.
"Outsiders Inn," premiering in August follows Mo' (or Marcia Brady, as I'll eternally think of her) as she runs an inn in Newport, Tennessee on the cusp of the great Smokey Mountains. Maureen's smoking buddy Bobby Brown will handle entertainment and Carnie will serve up the vittles.
Elsewhere on the Remote Patrol, Sheryl Crow does Leno Tuesday and Emmylou Harris is bound for Letterman Thursday night...Tony nominee and ex-Duke boy Tom Wopat sets down with "The View" ladies on Thursday....An "Ellen" repeat tomorrow has Garth Brooks, the Mrs., Trisha Yearwood, will be "Live! With Regis & Kelly" on Friday.

BIG & RICH & OBAMA & McCAIN (Items on Big & Rich, Elvis, Keith Urban, Jessica Simpson, Carrie Underwood)

While John Rich is supporting John McCain for President, his Big & Rich hombre, Big Kenny Alphin, appears to be backing Barack Obama. Kenny donated $2,300 to the Obama campaign way back yonder in April, 2007, according to the campaign donor search engine NewsMeat. Before his recent endorsement of the Arizona Senator, John's money was on former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, literally...as was Gretchen Wilson's.
Also chipping in to Thompson's failed campaign: Sara Evans.
Also tossing money to the Obama campaign: Emmylou Harris. Meanwhile, The Eagles' Don Henley was a John Edwards man all the way.
On different sides of the fence were Mr. Toby Covel (Toby Keith) and Mrs. Audrey McGraw (Faith Hill); Toby gave $2,000 to the Republican National Committee in '06, while Faith gave $7,500 to the Democratic National Committee in '04 (Ditto Samuel McGraw, aka Tim).
Meanwhile, Toby's buddy (I mean that) Natalie Maines is backing Obama to the tune of $2,300. ...and Jeff Foxworthy might be a Red-State-neck if he gave money to the Republican National Committee and President Bush's '04 campaign, which he did.

Bow to The King: Elvis rules Rock & Roll heaven because "he fused black rhythm and white country music."

Urban Contemporary: Keith Urban was surprise performer at the CMA Music Festival and aimed to give visitors their dollars worth: “I want to say a huge thank you to everybody that has coughed up the most outrageous amount of money per gallon to get gas to come to this festival this year. We're gonna give you a show worth seven bucks a gallon, so you're making three bucks right there.”

Is It the Hair?: Jessica Simpson, also a surprise visitor to the CMA Fest this year, is comparable to Carrie Underwood, sez one Nashville radio programmer.

Carrie On: Carrie, meanwhile, was on time and schedule at CMA Fest and posing with fans.

Coda: Jim McKay passed away from natural causes at his Maryland farm Saturday. He simply was the poet laureate of American (and Olympic, thus international) sports broadcasting. His son summed up his dad this way: "He was a great father and I don't think he had one single regret when he passed away."

WALK THAT WALK (Items on Sawyer Brown, Nashville Star, Randy Travis, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams, Jr.)

Before "American Idol" and "Nashville Star," there was "Star Search," a show whose leader faces a similar predicament to mine these days.
One of the acts that done good on the show was Sawyer Brown (Billy Dean and Ty Herndon were also "SS" vets), as they won the competition way back in 1984. Flash forward about five years later and a young DJ, new to country music (I'll call him, ...um, me) is given the assignment to interview one of the band members , but not told who it will be.
So I get on the phone with the Sawyer Brown member, and he informs me that he's Gregg Hubbard- "Call me 'Hobie,'" he says to me.
So smarty-pants youngster that I am, I proceed to ask him what instrument he plays...and before he can answer, I go on to list any numbers of musical devices, including the spoons, if memory serves, before Hobie deadpanned..."I play keyboards." Anyway, Hobie guided me through that interview (...and I'm eternally grateful to him)...and now, 20-some odd years later, he's still providing the prelude to Sawyer Brown appearances.

Post "Star Search:" Unlike most of its winners, "Nashville Star" is headed to radio, sort of...
The NBC competition will figure in a weekly series on XM Radio that starts this Thursday. The show will stack up performances, interviews and features with host Billy Ray Cyrus, judges Jewel, John Rich and Jeffrey Steele. The contestants will chime in, too. Each week, they'll play their favorite artists, perform original songs and talk about whether Jewel, John and Jeffrey were mean or nice to them.
BTW: Did you know that this season's winner will be ferried over to China to perform at the Olympics?

The Bends: Randy Travis will perform and hawk his new album Monday night on QVC. Randy's new "Around the Bend" doesn't arrive until July 29, but viewers/customers can buy it Monday and receive some extra fixin's with their purchase.

"This Bird You Cannot Change:" Catching up with Hank, Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd in Memphis, where "Freebird" was still "one of the most gloriously ecstatic pieces of rock music ever."

"CELEBRITY?" INDEED! (Items on The Paisleys, Andy Griffith, CMA Fest, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Gretchen Wilson, Ira Dean, Jack Ingram, Jessica Simpson)

Brad Paisley does it up right when it comes to stocking the famous folk for his videos...but this takes the cake.
Andy Griffith, forever "Andy of Mayberry," will pop up in his latest video (for "Waitin' on a Woman") when it lands cable-side later this month.
Brad is (like a mammoth chunk of America) "a huge fan" of Andy's...and Griffith "enjoys Paisley's music."
Meanwhile, as anyone who's seen Sheriff Andy pick up his guitar knows, the man who wore the star is quite the singer himself.
...and...

According to Kim: Let's not forget Mrs. Kimberly Williams-Paisley here. She's just written her first children's book (with help from her dad). "Henry and the Hidden Veggie Garden" concerns a city lad hooked on pizza and video games who visits a family farm and finds out how much fun playing outside and eating his veggies is (what do ya think the best stuff on pizza is?).
Proceeds from the book go to the Love Your Veggies™ Nationwide School Lunch Campaign, which has awarded 51 elementary schools each with a $10,000 nutrition grant.
You can purchase it here.

"Mayberry" Missers Steal Show: Who stole the first big LP Field CMA Music Festival show Thursday Night? Rascal Flatts, that's who, CMT tells us. This while Taylor Swift got behind a drum kit and Sugarland were in...snow globes?
Meanwhile the fans had to endure several stops-starts-and-do-overs for what will be the "final product" on ABC somewhere, someday.

Madge-ic: "Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of Country Music," Reba McEntire merits a quiz. Sharpen your No. 2 pencils and then click here.

Red(man)neck Woman: Quitting smoking? Easy, if you're Gretchen Wilson. But chewing tobacco, harder to kick. "Don't even start," sez Gretchen.

I'm (Not) Lovin It: Ira Dean, ex-of Trick Pony, is suing McDonald's, not because his coffee was too hot, but rather because he thinks the dude depicted on the Arches' Big & Tasty burger is...him.

Wherever He Are: Jack Ingram's long road to success was paved with a bit part as Lee Ann Womack's (Where's she been?) love interest in a video and a bit part in "Hope Floats" (perhaps the most excruciating chick flick for a guy to endure this side of "When a Man Loves a Woman..." ugh!).

Come on Over: Jessica Simpson on entering the country sweepstakes with her first country single proper: "People want to hate me,...but at least they're supporting it."

OH,...CANADA! (Items on Shania Twain)

From Shania Twain to her fans via ShaniaTwain.com...
To my beloved fans:
As I am sure you have seen or heard; I am going through a rough time personally in my life. I wanted you all to know that I could not be getting through this without you. Your letters, emails and words of encouragement give me strength. Your overwhelming support reminds me to smile, no matter how deep the pain and to always be grateful for all the beautiful blessings in my life.
I have so much to say but I know the best way for me to speak is through my music. This is my therapy, my passion, and my love. I look forward to sharing it with all of you as I begin this new journey.
I need some time to heal this broken heart but make no mistake; I will be back and hopefully stronger than ever.
Thank you my friends, from the bottom of my heart.
Love, Shania
(I.E. To keep tabs on Twain, stay away from the tabs...)
Meanwhile, is back home in Ontario, staying veggie and dining on smoked tofu, arugula salad and sushi rolls.
While Shania Twain mends, there's always the performing gifts of Shania Twin to look forward to.

As Long as We're Above the Border...: The second most popular anthem in Canada is about to be put to bed. It's the "Hockey Night in Canada" theme for TV broadcasts of Canada's far-and-away favorite sport and it's become a relic, at least for the new Great White North network taking over broadcasts on ice.
So where were the new theme/anthem come from? A contest.
The networks paid 500 bucks per airing of the-puck's-about-to-drop theme, but the winner of said contest will net $100,000 (I guess in Canadian ducats).
So what's the hub-bub, bub? This...

...and what's the #1 anthem? It's the National Anthem, silly!...

CMA FESTIVAL NOTES... (Items on The Fest, Dwight Yoakam, Faith Hill, Jewel, Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Julianne Hough, George Jones, Tim McGraw)

What's the reason Dwight Yoakam's not been at Fan Fair/CMA Fest the past two decades? No one asked him...What about Faith Hill's decade-long FF/CMAMF MIA? Scheduling conflicts.
Jewel, preparing to work her Sharpie yesterday at the Festival, found out that she's passed 18 million in career album sales.
Here are the ABC's of CMA from CMT.
Taylor Swift was ready for her close-up at a CMA Fest event yesterday, over 30 of 'em.
And getting ahead of ourself, when the CMA Festival special hits ABC on September 8, Taylor, Kellie Pickler and Julianne Hough will host the doo-hickey....or will it air July 23?...or this Monday night?!

The One I Loved Back Then: George Jones' acoustic Martin-000 guitar swiped from him almost a half-century ago in Texas will soon be returned to The Possum.

Good Morning, Fayetteville!: Add Tim McGraw to the performers at the Walmart shareholders meeting in Arkansas. He did a morning set today and, I'm sure encouraged nice rack space for his Frito's, cologne and music, including the double-packed greatest hits thingie.

NBC REVEALS THE TOP 12 ACTS VYING TO BE CROWNED THE NEXT "NASHVILLE STAR"

Press release from NBC...

Series to Debut Monday, June 9 on NBC (9-11 p.m. ET)

BURBANK, Calif. - June 4, 2008 - From a 32-year-old mother of five to two high-school friends who dream of making it as a duet, NBC's "Nashville Star" revealed the top-12 music acts that will be vying for the crown when it kick-starts its first season on NBC on Monday, June 9 (9-11 p.m. ET).

The-top 12 finalists sang their hearts out during the taping of the "Nashville Star" premiere last Monday (subsequent episodes will be live) in front of a packed audience at the Acuff Theater, part of the Opry Entertainment Complex, in Nashville. In episode one the performers have to impress the show's judges/mentors multi-platinum singer-songwriter and three-time Grammy nominee Jewel and John Rich -- multi-award-winning singer, songwriter and producer and one half of the country duo Big & Rich -- and award-winning songwriter and hit-making producer Jeffrey Steele. In the end the celebrity panel tells one act that their dream ends here. Beginning week two America decides who will return to the stage next week and who will pack up their guitars and head home.

The sixth season premiere also will feature a performance by 2008 ACM Best New Female Vocalist Taylor Swift as well as showcase highlights from the nationwide casting calls.

(and here they are...)

ALYSON GILBERT

AGE: 28

HOMETOWN: Crookstown, Minnesota

CURRENT HOME: Jackson, Tennessee

Stunningly beautiful former Miss St. Paul, Alyson has a passion for music and animals. Her husband quit his job so Alyson could pursue her dream of music. When not performing at local bars and parties, Alyson studies veterinarian science at the University of Tennessee in Martin.

ASHLEE HEWITT

AGE: 20

HOMETOWN: Lancaster, Minnesota

CURRENT HOME: Nashville, Tennessee

With her dad currently in Iraq training Iraqis, Ashlee is hoping to stay on the show for a few weeks so her dad can see her perform when he returns to the States for a short leave from overseas. One of 13 children, Ashlee grew up on a 2,500 acre horse ranch in Minnesota and is a true country girl she's comfortable driving tractors, catching fish or riding one of her family's 70 horses. Now, Ashlee's left her family and her farm to move to Nashville in pursuit of her dream.

CHARLEY JENKINS

AGE: 29

HOMETOWN: Roosevelt, Utah

CURRENT HOME: Murray, Utah

Everybody has been affected by cancer but for Charley Jenkins, it partly defines who he is. Five years ago Charley moved away from home to pursue his music career but when his dad was terminally ill with cancer, Charley returned home to Utah. A year later, Charley's dad passed away and now Charley includes a song he wrote about his father in every set he performs to have his dad still be close to him. With a 2-year-old daughter and a wife at home, this true good-old-boy from Utah wants to make his family proud -- and his dad smile from above.

COFFEY

AGE: 28

HOMETOWN: Bangs, Texas

CURRENT HOME: Los Angeles, California

According to Coffey, being away from his 5-year-old daughter Savannah is like holding his breath and suffocating. As a single father, Coffey is competing for two-- himself and his daughter. He loves country music, entertaining and being a Southern gentleman. While most move to Nashville, Coffey left his small town in Texas for Los Angeles where he can often be found performing on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, trying to sell a CD as people pass by.

GABE GARCIA

AGE: 28 HOMETOWN: Lyle, Texas

CURRENT HOME: Dickson, Tennessee

Gabe Garcia is proud of his roots and wants to inspire other Hispanics to pursue a career in country music, just as Rick Trevino inspired him. The ultimate Tex-Mex cowboy, Gabe left San Antonio and his job of 10 years after his father passed away last October to follow his dream and he's not turning back. With his family's support, Gabe wants to be the next "Nashville Star" with his mother cheering him on from the audience.

JUSTIN GASTON

AGE: 19

HOMETOWN: Pineville, Louisiana

CURRENT HOME: Los Angeles, California

Originally from Louisiana, Justin left home at age 17 to pursue a career in music, while supporting himself as a model. Only after suffering heartbreak from breaking up with his long-distance girlfriend did Justin realize how isolating living on his own can be at a young age. With his good looks and great voice, Justin is the ultimate teenage country heartthrob.

LAURA AND SOPHIE (Laura Fedor and Sophie Zalokar)

AGE: Laura (18), Sophie (16)

HOMETOWN: Willoughby, Ohio

CURRENT HOME: Willoughby, Ohio

To look at Laura and Sophie is to see two high school teenagers who should be enjoying their summer vacation from school. Instead, Laura is missing her high school graduation and spent her last three weeks at home fighting with her parents who forbade her from doing "Nashville Star." The 18-year-old chose to go against her parents' wishes to spend the summer with her best friend Sophie as they try to pursue their dreams at a young age. With Laura still wearing braces and Sophie barely legal to drive, these teens are unlike anything else in country music.

MELISSA LAWSON

AGE: 32

HOMETOWN: Arlington, Texas

CURRENT HOME: Dalworthington Gardens, Texas

At age 31, Melissa is the oldest female contestant this season on "Nashville Star." A working mother with five sons, Melissa wants to prove that country music is about the songs and the voice, not about the size jeans you where. She's the "every woman" in pursuit of the ultimate dream and she didn't leave her family to lose the competition .

PEARL HEART (Amy, Angela and Courtney Krechel)

AGES: Amy and Angela (20), Courtney (17)

HOMETOWN: Florissant, Missouri

CURRENT HOME: Thompson's Station, Tennessee

The female trio Pearl Heart is a family affair with twin sisters Amy and Angela singing alongside their little sister Courtney. After watching their daughters perform together for years, Pearl Heart's parents packed up their bags and moved their family to Tennessee for their daughters to more seriously pursue their music career. By making top-12 of "Nashville Star," the Krechel sisters are hoping to prove to their parents that the move paid off.

SHAWN MAYER

AGE: 21

HOMETOWN: May City, Iowa

CURRENT HOME: Madison, Tennessee

From a town of 45, Shawn skipped lunch at school to avoid finding someone that would sit with her or having to sit alone, because unlike her classmates, Shawn was spending her weekends earning money by performing in bars and not hanging out at the mall. Her parents encouraged her to make her own way and she rewarded them by hiring them to be part of her team as she pursued her dreams. She's worked on a hog farm, is a mechanic and a volunteer firefighter but the girl really just wants to be on a stage.

THIRD TOWN (Jeffrey Fairchild, James A. Kouns and Tony Mosti)

AGES: Jeffrey (37), James (29) and Tony (35)

HOMETOWN: San Antonio, Texas

CURRENT HOME: Las Vegas, Nevada

First, Jeffrey, "Little Tony" and Tony tried to make it in San Antonio, then Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and third, they went to Las Vegas where they found their name -- Third Town. After their tryout for "Nashville Star," the three were told that they didn't make the show's top 12 and they returned to Las Vegas and resumed their lives of pounding the pavement in pursuit of their dreams. Then, the day before the first show taping, they got the call that will forever change their lives they had made the top 12. Though each one performed in a separate show in Vegas, James, Tony and "Little Tony" dropped everything and headed to Nashville.

TOMMY STANLEY

AGE: 23

HOMETOWN: Cushing, Oklahoma

CURRENT HOME: USS Kitty Hawk

Tommy Stanley was working as an engineer on the USS Kitty Hawk and stationed in Japan when he filmed his video audition for "Nashville Star." Once finding out he'd made it to the Norfolk military audition, Tommy flew from Japan to Virginia with the hope of taking a leave from duty to pursue his music. He hasn't seen his father in a year or his mom in three years but he hopes to perform before them on the show.

This year, "Nashville Star" the longest running cable reality competition series moves into the spotlight on NBC. With a bigger stage to play, the expectations become higher and the competition tougher as each contestant will turn to the celebrity panel that will not only judge them during the live shows, but will also provide a unique mentoring aspect to the series.

"Nashville Star" is created by Reveille and produced by 495 Productions. Ben Silverman (NBC's "The Office"), Howard T. Owens ("American Gladiators"), Mark Koops ("The Biggest Loser") and Sallyann Salsano ("Design Star," "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila") serve as executive producers. Jon Small ("Garth Brooks Live in LA") is a producer.

JESS' BEIN' A COUNTRY GAL (Items on Jessica Simpson, John Rich, Rascal Flatts, Bucky Covington, Collin Raye, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban)

Jessica Simpson's debut country single entered the chart at #41, good enough to qualify as the highest opener for a country newcomer. Meanwhile, as to the inspiration for her upcoming album: "It's about that feeling you get when just can't wait to see the person you're crushing on," she told the people at People.
She shot the album's cover on Monday, and just so folks are sure it's a country album, she'll probably be decked out in a cowboy hat, boots...and maybe Daisy Dukes.
And...while she's been soaking up Nashville lately, her home away from home is Las Vegas, where she once snatched $7000 playing blackjack...and then started handing out handreds to people.

Big & Republican: John Rich is supporting John McCain for President. Maybe it's because, when they met, John introduced himself and the Senator replied, "Like I don't know who in the hell you are."
McCain's daughter Meghan is a blogger, featuring trips from the campaign trail, as well as some music. JR's in there, along with a visit to Graceland.

Meet We in "Montana:" Rascal Flatts are set to appear and perform in the upcoming "Hannah Montana" movie...Bucky Covington, too.

Between Now and Then: The 14th Annual Inspirational Country Music Award Show (ICM's) will be held on Thursday, October 16 and Collin Raye will be the host.

Give Me a Squiggly!: Carrie Underwood and Keith Underwood, along with whatever Journey is today and The All-American Rejects will entertain at the Walmart shareholders meeting this week.

SUGARLAND SUITE (items on Sugarland, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Craig Hand, Keith Urban, Darryl Worley, Clay Walker, Troy Gentry, Trent Willmon)

Sugarland's new album, "Love on the Inside," will be released on July 22...and then again on July 29. The difference between the week divide is two different versions of the album. The 7/22 "Deluxe" version is the doozy. It'll include "special packaging with an expanded CD booklet, as well as access to download exclusive music video and 'behind the scenes making of the album' footage." That plus five extra songs, including "Life in a Northern Town," the mid-eighties chestnut by The Dream Academy that Jennifer and Kristian dusted off at this year's CMT Music Awards (with Little big Town and Jake Owen).
The lead-off cut is, of course, "All I Want to Do," which they premiered at the ACM Awards and which recently popped into the singles chart at a lofty #27.
By the way, if you want the 7/29 version of "Love on the Inside" (Sans bells & whistles edition), Amazon has a preorder special now.
Meanwhile, dig the album cover...as a proud graduate of Fort Hill High School in Cumberland, Maryland,...
well, it just brought back memories of some of the album artwork I saw reproduced, circa the extreme early '80's (Class of '82 here!) at the annual Fort Hill art show, fostered by one of those special teachers at FH, Wayne Foote, a man who taught...and encouraged...and did his best to veer students to higher education and careers tailored to their talents and aspirations.

Hand, um,...Occupation: Some chap I've honestly never heard of named Craig Hand will appear on the cover of Playgirl magazine's Country Music issue. Keith Urban, Darryl Worley, Clay Walker, Troy Gentry and Trent Willmon are also onboard the issue in various stages of undress, but Craigers "appears nude in the magazine, 'but it’s done tastefully.'"
Meanwhile, Mrs. Craig Hand "has had aspirations to be in Playboy," so, um,...whatever.

MY SUIT'S IN ALABAMA (Items on Alabama, George Jones, James Otto)

When Alabama (the group), gathers Saturday in Fort Payne, Alabama (the state), for a municipal celebration of their career (including the unveiling of statues of the four chaps), there might be a chill in the air, even on a hot, southern day. The three lads in the combo who are related, Randy Owen, Jeff Cook and Teddy Gentry, are suing drummer Mark Herndon. According to the lawsuit, Mark picked up over $200,000 bucks from his share of merchandise profits from the group's 2003 farewell tour before final accounting was finished, which showed that “there were no net merchandise revenues,” per the lawsuit, per The Chattanooga Times Free Press. Meanwhile, on the night before their big day, the cousins will host the Alabama June Jam Songwriters’ Showcase at a community college in their neck of 'Bama. And after the ceremony, both Randy and Jeff have local gigs lined up.
Jeff and Teddy were also part of the show last Sunday night in Nashville, at The Ryman, for the Songs 4 Worship: Country concert (Teddy co-produced the album that spawned the show). But despite bouncing about under the hot lights a lot (again) recently, Teddy "likes being off stage." Also important to note: Randy will accept a National Association of Broadcasters award being presented Monday to Country Cares for St. Jude's Kids. Randy's recent "Braid My Hair" single raised money for Country Cares. Next week, a single from his debut Broken Bow Records album (due later this year) lands with the disc coming in November.

I Do Need Your Rocking Chair: Also doin' good is George Jones. The Possum is a selling autographed miniature rocking chairs (only ten bucks apiece) on his website with the proceeds going to Hope House International's efforts to attach orphans with adoptive parents in the Ukraine.
George is returning to the South Carolina State Fair later this year. He was booked in '06, but was a "No Show." Nah, 'wasn't the return of a bender; he'd hurt his wrist.

Sweet Gig!: Who's appearing at this year's Miss Tennessee pageant? James Otto, that's who.

A FESTIVUS FOR THE REST OF US (Items on CMA Festival, Chris Cagle, CMT, Nashville Star, Rascal Flatts)

The CMA Music Festival gets started this afternoon in Music City with a parade. Deborah Allen, Katie Armiger, Erika Jo, Crystal Gayle, the Grascals, Jeff Griffith, Indian Rodeo, Lonestar, Jason Meadows, Mountain Heart, Michael Martin Murphey, One Flew South, the Roys, Keni Thomas, Trent Tomlinson, Rhonda Towns, Kyle Wyley and Chris Young will be among those throwing candy, CMT sez.
After the parade, The (free) Festival Block Party concert on the Chevy Plaza outside of Sommet Center features sets from Keith Anderson, Zac Brown, Luke Bryan, Joe Nichols, James Otto, Rissi Palmer, Phil Stacey and Chris Young.
Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam spreads out tonight with guests that include Gretchen Wilson, Charlie Daniels, John Rich, Kathy Mattea, and Sunny Sweeney.
Meanwhile, another parade, those of RV's heading to Nashville-area for the Festival, has seen attendance drop. Of course, gas prices are to blame, with one family shelling out $900 to fuel their trip,...and another wondering if this is their last time at the Festival.
Then the whole deal-hickey starts proper tomorrow...and CMT will be handing out chachkies!

What Kinda Wrong: Chris Cagle was in court yesterday in relation to domestic abuse charges levied against him and his girlfriend last week. Chris, meanwhile, tells Nashville's WKRN that he wasn't drunk when arrested ("I asked to take a sobriety test and a Breathalyzer test and was denied the opportunity by the police officer on site.") and that he claims full responsibility for the ugly incident. "I'm a human being who was involved in an argument. End of story."

Remote Patrol: CMT will decorate its weekend programming with intros, inserts and information about "Nashville Star"from judges Jewel, John Rich and Jeffrey Steele leading up to Monday's premiere over on NBC. Of course, as you know, CMT will air a rebroadcast of each episode later in the week after its Monday Peacock debut.

Start Me Up: Welcome to the world, Jagger Donovan Rooney! The newborn son of Rascal Flatts guitar Joe Don Rooney and Tiffany Fallon arrived Saturday.
And, nuh, the newborn isn't named after Brit musicians Mick Jagger and (sixties headtripper) Donovan. Joe Don said that he’s "just a cool baby who needed a cool name," according to GAC.

PIECES OF JEWEL (Items on Jewel, Victoria Shaw, Lady Antebellum, Shooter, John Denver, ONJ, Starland Vocal Band, Mary-Chapin Carpenter)

A great piece from a great paper: The Baltimore Sun profiles Jewel on the day that her country album proper is released. Among the highlights...Several of the songs on "Perfectly Clear" date back to her teenage songwriting days...Which was right around the time she was forced to grow her hair to Crystal Gayle-length...and Jewel on Nashville, where she's recorded all but one of her albums: "I've always loved this town. You can throw a rock and hit somebody in the head who is more talented than you."
Meanwhile The Canadian Press (I love that logo!) sez Jewel "fits country music as snugly as two Lego blocks locking together" (I love those Legos!).
"Perfectly Clear" is the first album for the new indie label Valory Music, which is a subsidiary of an upstart label whose "Machine" is humming on all cylinders these days, thanks to another teenaged singer/songwriter.
Jewel on AOL on the album as per the country connection: "Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard, as well as Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan. I never really saw a difference." She's featured on the internet giant's "Sessions" with cuts from "Clear."
Meanwhile, as mentioned here, the singer is aboard "Nashville Star," this year at the judge's table, along with "Clear" producer John Rich, as the contest moves to NBC with its premiere this Monday night.
Tomorrow, she'll appear on"Live with Regis & Kelly" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on NBC. She's hitting Jay Leno June 17 and "Jimmy Kimmel Live" the following day.
While you wait, there's this video + sound from Yahoo! Music.
Plus, Jewel's been video-blogging on ilike.com...


Elsewhere on the Remote Patrol (as long as I had the clicker in my hand...)...
GAC has announced its tag team of judges for its "The Next GAC Star" competition (which is open now) and the naming of Victoria Shaw makes perfect sense; She'd be a natural nurturer and arbiter of talent on any TV talent competition, from that CBS doo-hickey were Sulu sang Willie to "American Idol."
She'll be joined by Desmond Rouge, the pen behind a zillion hits.
Also, an "Ellen Degeneres Show" rerun tomorrow has Lady Antebellum and Shooter Jennings will show up on E!'s "Chelsea Lately" Thursday.

Mountain Momma-bo: Finally..., I'm a Marylander, but I have a deep affection for West Virginia, seeing has how the two states are practically spooning (at least in my neck of the woods), so "Graffiti's" (The Mountain State's "News Alternative," they tell us) list of the top five covers of John Denver's "Take Me Home (Country Roads)" hits, um, home.
BTW: The YouTube links weren't showing up when it loaded on my page, so here ya go, as per "Graffiti" (well, at least three of the five, with apologies to Ray Charles)...

5. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes...


4. Olivia Newton-John...

("Mountain" -eer music in Japan, wow!)

3. Toots & the Maytals...


2. The great Ray Charles...
no YouTube clip available...but if you go here, you can hear a taste.

1.Doug E. Fresh...
ditto...but (can you believe?) his version transplanted the song to...NEW YORK CITY?!?!

Meanwhile, did ya know that "Country Roads" was co-written by Bill and Taffy Danoff, who later found fame as half of The Starland Vocal Band, whose "Afternoon Delight" delighted zillions of ears in America's Bicentennial Year?
Meanwhile, Jr.: Did you know that Bill Danoff worked...alot...with our Nation Capitol's queen of country music, plus Emmylou Harris? Nice!

And finally...let's reveal this: the actual "country roads" that inspired the song are actually located in...um,...Maryland?

JEWEL & RICH (Items on Nashville Star, Kenny Chesney, Grand Ole Opry, Emmylou Harris, Rissi Palmer, Trace Adkins, Michael Murphey, Kenny Rogers, CDB)

John Rich (To Jewel, "There's nothin' 'country about this...") and Jewel (To John, "Will you let me finish!?") are gonna mix it up, Simon Cowell & Paula Abdul-style, on "Nashville Star," whose new season lands June 9. The pair, sitting at the judges' table as the competition this year as the show heads to NBC, will be yinging-and-yanging their way through the whole process (and dancing, too, it appears.)...More clips (and plenty of 'em) are available at NBC's "Nashville Star" website)...



Direct from Glendale: The day after a Kenny Chesney concert report that took for forever to compile, here's a report on the show itself. Within is a capsule review of Kenny's songbook by the author: "Tunes about the beach and nostalgic offerings that harken back to his college frat boys days of his teen years."

Direct from Nashville: The Grand Ole Opry has tacked another Tuesday show this week in response to the masses that will converge on Music City this week for the CMA Music Festival.

Direct from London: ..."The Ballad of Emmylou Harris." And for good measure, she has "The Voice of an Angel."...bonus on this link: A taste of country female "Trailblazers" through the many, many years.

Direct from Pittsburgh: She's a Steel City native, but Rissi Palmer is "Just a Country Girl."

Direct from St. Petersburg: How do finally you fill the "Field"-under-a-roof that houses baseball's big surprise this year? Bring in Trace Adkins for a concert...and give out free truckers hats.

Direct from Missoula: Where is Michael Martin Murphey these days? Still "Calling WIIIILLLLLLDDFIIIIRRRE" and screaming "WILMAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Flip this House: Kenny Rogers is playing "The Gambler" again, but this time on the current real estate market: he's listing his Atlanta mansion for $7.9 million as he prepares to move to a ranch he's building. It's the tenth time he's flipped a house.

Easy Rider: Charlie Daniels was recently awarded a pair of American Paint Horses. The fillies are twins, which if you don't know so much about horses (like me), is rare.
Meanwhile, I'm told the man himself by be signing autographs at the Charlie Daniels' museum (110 Second Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee) this Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.