"INSIDE," OUTDOORS (Items on Sugarland, Billy Currington, Jake Owen, Jimmy Dickens, Merle Haggard, Martina McBride, Clint Black, LeAnn Rimes)

While Sugarland will spend most of March touring Europe (which will include shows at a number of U.S. military bases), they'll hit the ground running in April with a North American headlining tour that shares its title with the duo's current album (or the I Was There Tour, Sugarlander Kristian Bush sez).
Billy Currington, Matt Nathanson, Eric Hutchinson and Jake Owen are the openers at various dates along the trek, with Billy using his "Good Directions" to get to the lion's share of the Sugar-shows.
Peppered in are their opening dates for Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney, the George Strait coronation, awards shows and other deal-hickeys.

Best News of the Week: It's great to note that after recent brain surgery, Little Jimmy Dickens will be back on The Opry stage this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Jack Black will be there, too.
And Tuesdays at The Opry are back as of this Tuesday.

Movin' On: Merle Haggard ain't stoppin'; he just tacked a slew of dates onto his 2009 road show.

West Winging It: Martina McBride blogs about playing at the Stevie Wonder tribute at the White House this week.

"You're Fired!" Up: Clint Black starts his "Celebrity Apprentice-ship" with Donald Trump Sunday night...and part of his job will be to make sure you don't stink.

From the Scanner: From 1996 in Rolling Stone as LeAnn Rimes "Blue" onto the scene...

IN THE COURT OF KING GEORGE (Items on George Strait, Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire)

The first acts are set to appear at a tribute concert honoring the Academy of Country Music Artist of the Decade, George Strait,...and they're some real doozies!
The show will take place the night after the ACM Awards, which are April 5, and then CBS promises to schedule it for airing...sometime.
Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban are the gang announced as going Strait.
Meanwhile, Fort what it's Worth, George's big show June 6 with Reba McEntire (and others) to inaugurate the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium? 'Turns out it's the first time the legends have been paired on such a big stage together...and, GAC sez, besides being longtime MCA stable mates, the pair are also linked by a song highlighting nearby Fort Worth.

Call of the Wild: Keith is playing a free concert at the legendary Fillmore in San Fran in late March...to get tickets, um, there's a catch...you have to be a member of "The Wolfpack" of one of the 8,000 "Wolf" country radios stations in the U.S....Specifically the howler in the Bay Area.
It's one of six club shows Mr. Kidman has scheduled this spring.

EuroSugarland: To catch Sugarland in March, you're gonna have to go across the pond.

Both Sides of the Pond: Taylor's "Fearless" is the number one album in America this week...Meanwhile, here's a UK profile of Taylor (warning: figures are in the metric system,...I think).

"DWTS" UPDATE (Items on Jewel, Chuck Wicks, Julianne Hough, Toby Keith, Garth, Trisha Yearwood, Rascal Flatts, Dierks, Trace, Kellie Pickler)

Jewel has tendinitis in her knees, which could inhibit her chances in the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars."
Which has "DWTS" posters wondering if she'll even make it to the premiere (March 9 on ABC).
Meanwhile, she's consulting with hubby Ty Murray's knee doctor, which is a possible conflict of interest since he's also a "DWTS" contestant (But I haven't read the rulebook).
Also from the "Dancing" floor: Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough are engaged!
Not really. But my mother reads the tabloids, is a "Dancing" fanatic and said so...and I tend to believe what mom says.
Actually, they're just still boyfriend and girlfriend...and girlfriend sez boyfriend's dancing is "hilarious."

Hollywood's Dream Team Meets up in...North Carolina: Toby Keith is making a movie with...Hilary Duff.
...And no, the title is not "TK Steelman and Lizzie McGuire Encounter a Broken Bridge Gathering Beer for their Horses."
Meanwhile, Toby is continuing his great work at home in Oklahoma for Ally's House, which benefits youngsters battling cancer and their families.

To Catch a Predator: Garth Brooks hit a Nashville club Sunday afternoon for a show to entertain the Nashville Predators, who've been especially generous to Mr. Brooks' Teammates for Kids foundation.
Mrs. Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, guests and sings for her supper tonight on the premiere of "The Chris Isaak Hour" on the Bio Channel. Here's more.

Lemme Hear Ya...!: Rascal Flatts (and Darius Rucker) are coming to Wrigley Field in Chicago...not for a Cubs game, but for a concert.
But not if a local group's plans Flatt-en the show.

Meanwhile, in Canada: Dierks Bentley is loving the road in Canada...and watching "Lost." ('Can't get into that show...where's Gilligan?....and, especially, Ginger?).

Meanwhile, in KC: Trace Akins is Q&A'ed.

Bo-Toxic: Is Kellie Pickler injecting?

LADY "A" FOR EFFORT (Items on Lady Antebellum, Toby Keith, Kellie Picker, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller, LeAnn Rimes, Boxcar Willie)

Lady Antebellum have won "Album Of The Year" at something called "Musiqtone's 4th Annual Musiqwards." (I've never heard of Musiqtone, but, then again, I know they've never heard of GGcolumn).
Meanwhile, the Lady A's will emcee a...fashion show for the Nashville Symphony April 21.
You know who also held a fashion show? Toby Keith, that's who.
Toby's TK Steelman line will feature a section of sleeveless shirts...That'll be convenient for Larry the Cable Guy, who never met at a sleeve, left for right, that he liked.
That leads me to this: Comedy Central's annual roasts of celebrities are always top-notch. The next one, of Larry, the said Cable Guy (Who killed at Jeff Foxworthy's roast several moons back), tapes Sunday and will air on the yuks channel on March 15...and Toby Keith will be among the roasters and let's hope he brings on on his TK Steelman sleeveless specials as a gift for LTCG.
And now with fashion shows as our lead theme today (who'da thunk it?), and with apologies to the good folks at Victoria's Secret and Miss Kellie Picker, here's my favorite fashion show...(warning: BLUE humor!)...



Our Best to Our Buddy: After another great show with Emmylou Harris and Patty Griffin Thursday night in Baltimore, Buddy Miller was hit with a heart attack. The attack occurred in Charm City, which was actually quite fortunate- if it had to happen, because Baltimore is home to Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of (if not) the best medical centers in America (and I know, from experience).
Buddy had triple-bypass heart surgery on Friday at Hopkins. And after a successful surgery, he'll convalesce in Balmer for several weeks.

How Do I Change?: LeAnn Rimes already owns a massive record on the Billboard Hot 100 charts...and she's done it again.
"What I Cannot Change," LeAnn's latest, in a remixed version, has topped Billboard's Hot Dance Club chart, thus becoming the first country artist to top BB's "Hot Country Song Songs cart and the whole dance music thingie.

Bring a Can of Beans...: Amid the massive treasury of country music writing, reviewing and reporting you'll find at The 9513 is a dandy feature on "Forgotten Artists." The latest is on Boxcar Willie. Check it out (and the archives, too) and then the music itself ('9513 will tell you where to find it).

Remote Patrol (and it's a DVR-licious week...and beyond!): Jake Owen will perform live on "Good Morning America" Tuesday morning (Just as his "Easy Does It" disc hits stores)...As mentioned, Trace Adkins is slated for FOX News Channel's "Glenn Beck" thingie today and again on an edition Sunday, where he'll perform some tunes...and change that date for his apperance on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" (my bad) from March 2 (The show's debut night) to March 13...Jimmy Kimmel has Darius Rucker on tonight and I hope you'll able to hear him, because The Jonas Brothers are also on (and the young ladies bring the decibals when there's a JoBros appearance)...Craig Ferguson re-runs this week are highlighted by Trace Adkins tonight and Glen Campbell Thursday...Leno repeats this week include Jamey Johnson on Wednesday and Lee Ann Womack on Friday...If Joaquin Phoenix were asked to "Walk the Line" by a patrol officer these days, I dunno if he could, meanwhile, you can catch his bizarre appearance on Letterman again Thursday (It's a riot, thanks to Dave...and here's the YouTube link). Then on Friday, you can re-view the Randy Rogers Band appearance.

GARDENING AT NIGHT (Items on Rascal Flatts, Jessica Simpson, Josh Turner, Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, Kid Rock)

Rascal Flatts set a record, for country acts, at Madison Square Garden...so how do you follow that?
Hello, Boise!
...And if you can't find 'em in Idaho, try (your local) J.C. Penney's.
And I dunno if Gary, Jay or the other guy have been on "CMT Cribs" yet, but they'll have a soundtrack ready, come April 7 (also the drop date of their new long-player, "Unstoppable")...yeppers it's Rascal Flatts, lullaby-style.

Speaking of Cribs and Lullaby: Is Rascally tour mate Jessica Simpson preggers? Is that why she won't accept a weight loss spa membership?
And what does Richard Simmons have to say about all of this?!?!?!

Still Speaking of Cribs and Lullaby: Congrats to Josh Turner and wife Jennifer, who expecting a young'un this summer (If it's a boy, please name him Ike!). Big-bro'-to-be is excited, reports Papa.

You Go, Cowgirl!: "Taylor Swift on Top!" (Hey, I didn't write the headline)...She's just had the first country crossover pop topper under Billboard's Nielsen BDS chart tabulating thingie.

The Foundation: Zac Brown Band "is a real backyard mutt of a band" and...the best new artist of 2009?

Beerwitdaba: Kid Rock's brewing up his own brand of beer. He's also looking for a name for the beverage (I'll go with the title of this blurb, only because "TK Steelman" is already taken).

"FEARLESS" AND NATIONWIDE (Items on Taylor Swift, Jennifer Nettles, Sugarland)

Dr. Hook (and The Medicine Show) had to beg for it...Taylor Swift, well, all she had to do was be, well, Taylor Swift.
She's on the cover of the newest Rolling Stone.
She's big, she's nationwide.
Several moons ago, in print (when I had that forum), I mentioned...if that biggest star on the biggest show in America is a country artist...how is that anything but good for country music?
So, Taylor, You go girl!
So who got the biggest Grammy boost from the awards show? Non-nominee Taylor, that's who!
Her "Fearless" tops the America charts again and had now spent the most time aboard America's album zenith since Carlos Santana (and company's) "Supernatural" almost a decade ago!
Maybe because of this...
Meanwhile, Disney's new 'tween queen wants Taylor for a duet because "it would be really neat to have the country vibe."

"Stay" For a While: Who knew what Jennifer Nettles would beget when she wrote "Stay?" The Washington Post tries to figure it out for us.

Grinnin' and then Pickin': Actor Ed Helms was a hoot on "The Daily Show," he's a riot on "The Office" and I even found him funny in my new favorite move, "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story."
But who knew that he carries a banjo on his knee?

"IF YOU'RE GOING THROUGH HELL" SEEMED A BIT HARSH (Items on Rodney Atkins, Julianne Hough, Chuck Wicks, Jewel, George Strait, Reba, Jack Ingram)

Rodney Atkins has titled his March 31 album release, "It's America."
"With this record, I knew I wanted to keep making songs that folks can sing along with and laugh at and pump their fists to," That's Country sez Rodney sez. "Sometimes it is the simple things in this great country that really make me appreciate it. When we share this sense of pride through music, you become friends with everybody listening. It's an honor to go out there and represent the everyday man, and to represent country music and what it's all about."

Meanwhile, Cheryl Burke Is Stuck With the Actor I've Never Heard Of: Here's a peek at Julianne Hough and sweetie Chuck Wicks all decked out in "Dancing with the Stars" garb...and here's Jewel with her partner, Dmitry Chaplin.
Meanwhile, Jewel sez "DWTS" duty is taking a toll on her tootsies.

Does Arlington Ever Cross Your Mind? That tentative George Strait show this summer at the Dallas Cowboys new stadium? It's official now...and Reba's aboard, too.

Wherever He Are: Jack Ingram on the differences between opening on tour for Martina McBride and TK Steelman.

From the Scanner: Toby, pre-TK Steelman, on the record for Blender in August, '05:

RASCAL'S FLAT COVER (Items on Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Julianne Hough, Chuck Wicks)

The Rascal Flatts dudes have decided the winner of their contest to design the cover of their upcoming (4/7) "Unstoppable" album. The winner is one Chris Kubik with the shot I've co-opted at the left. To check out the actual cover, click here (enter at your own risk).
The Flatt-sicles announced Chris as the winner before their Madison Square Garden set last night and then adorned the stage in "studded and bejeweled jeans."
And...I always considered Rascal Flatts the Duran Duran of country music, but...: Pat Benatar?!?! A songwriter who wrote Benatar's "Shadows of the Night" a quarter of a century ago is suing Rascal Flatts and their producers and their Disney handlers over the alleged use of the song in the first portion of the Flatts song "No Reins."
Kudos to Nashville Gab for sniffing this story out, since the lawsuit was filed last August...and for giving as a comparison of the ditties.
Also from the Flatts MSG concert: Jessica Simpson (my newest pretend girlfriend) had this to say before her opening slot before RF: "I've had times when my pants split right down the middle when I bent down to reach a note. That's why I'm wearing a skort - not a skirt, not a short - just so they wouldn't split."
Here's video, via link, that I'd embed, because some evil empire called Bright Cove won't let me.

Speaking of Kudos: Laurels to Darius Rucker, whose "Learn to Live" debut country disc has just gone gold.

The Hough-ington Post: Julianne chats with LiveDaily and Chuck Wicks isn't mentioned...not once.

THE BOY NEXT DOOR (Items on Kenny Chesney, Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts)

Kenny Chesney is the subject of The Playboy Interview in the March issue of Hef's mag. In the issue, which lands on news stands tomorrow, the bunny ears notes of Kenny: "No musician has sold more concert tickets in the 21st century."
Here's some of the stuff from the mouth of Kenny...

"God, I lost my hair when I was 19...I’m pretty comfortable being bald...They all say, ‘Oh my God, I’m getting old. I’m never getting laid again.’ Shut up. Yes, you are.”

“Man, I was over 100 (sexual partners) several years ago. I can’t believe I’m actually saying this on the record: That was probably back in 2001."

On his marriage to Renee Zellweger: “I didn’t have any clue as to what true marriage meant. I was so used to committing to one thing—music—and then I had to totally commit to a second thing, marriage. I didn’t know how to commit to both of them. It was a scary moment for me...I talked to my attorney and her attorney. In order for us to get an annulment, the legal papers could claim either physical abuse, which wasn’t true, or three or four other things that also weren’t true. The best thing we could put in there was fraud. So I said, ‘All right, do it. Whatever.’”

On rumors that he's gay: "I’m pretty confident in the fact that I love girls." But would the country audience support an openly gay singer? “I don’t know. I doubt it.”

There's more online at the link I posted up yonder, but if you want the total skinny on Kenny, y'all will have to get the issue in print. I will tell you that Playboy's Q&A's are (among) the most exhaustive to be had.

Meanwhile, Kenny was country's top money-maker in 2008, Billboard sez, raking in a ka-ching-a-ling of $90,823,990, the mag reckons. Madonna ($242,176,466) was the top money-maker in music overall in 2008, despite less-than-stellar album and other music sales; you make your money on tour, Billboard also sez, which is Kenny's bread and butter.
The Rascal Flatts dudes came in at #9 on the payout with $63,522,160; The Eagles at #11, raked in $61,132,213 and Miley Cyrus' take, at #15, was $48,920,806.
Taylor Swift came in at #16 with a booty of $45,588,730...and that doesn't include coin from the dates she opened for Brad Paisley.

Parton Company: Dolly Parton is magic wherever she goes, including Washington, D.C., where she this week charmed the crowd at he National Press Club, where she went to chat up her "9 to 5" musical, her Imagination Library and her own book.
And, as always, Dolly has great quote up her sleeve: On the subject of running for President, she said, "I think we've had enough boobs in the White House."

Feels Like Your Way: The Rascal Flatts-tarions will reveal the cover of their next album tomorrow...Done by fans, here are the four final finalists

YOU'RE FIRED! (Items on Dierks Bentley, Taylor Swift, Patty Griffin, Rodney Crowell, Trace Adkins)

Dierks Bentley's new platter, "Feel that Fire" debuts atop the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, knocking Taylor Swift's three-month reign there with "Fearless."
On the BB Top 200 Albums Chart, "Fire" enters the fray at #3 with 71,000 units moved. The new one from The Frays enters on top. Last week's topper, the new Springsteen set, dips to #2. Taylor follows Dierks at #4 and her sales were actually up in its zillionth week on the chart.
Meanwhile, "Fire's" title track is sitting atop the Billboard and R&R country singles chart, his sixth zenith-maker.
And if you want tix to one of Dierks' shows with Keith Urban (they're tag-teaming in Roanoke, Virginia and Huntsville, Alabama), they go on sale tomorrow.
Also from Bentley Drive, here's the proud papa with new daughter Evie. Here's "Five Questions" with Dierks about the baby, the album and fellow pyromaniacs Rodney Crowell and Patty Griffin.

It's All Too Beautiful: Speaking of Patty, she's also contributing her voice to three tunes on "Never Say Never," the upcoming (March 3) disc from former Small Faces member Ian McLagan's new album, "Never Say Never."
"Mac is a rare gem of an artist." sez Patty of her Austin neighbor. "You can't fake the kind of soul Mac's got. He's lived every fun-loving, glorious and painful note of it, and to me, that's what makes his music the thing of beauty and strength that it is. We are so lucky to have it in our midst."

Remote Patrol: Trace Adkins will be stopping by some new shows by TV vets...He'll appear on FOX News Channel's "Glenn Beck Show"on February 23 and then again on March 1 with several performances...The next day, he'll be the musical guest on NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" as the former "Saturday Night Liver" giggler takes over from Conan O'Brien.
At first glance, it'll look like a ZZ Top show...but it's actually Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson you catch when CMT debuts the next edition of "Crossroads" on March 23.
And CMT is bringing "Can You Duet" back for a second season later this year (and you don't even have to win to get an ACM nomination, ask Joey & Rory!). Anyway, Nashville's Wildhorse Saloon will be the site of auditions March 7.
Get more info here...and extra special audition details here.
And...finally, here's a sneak peek at Taylor Swift's "CSI" appearance," the whole of which will debuts March 5 on CBS...

ACM NOMINATIONS

Brad Paisley topped the field with six nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards, announced this morning on CBS by Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes and Jessica Simpson (who also performed).

Who has the second-most tribe of noms? Would you believe Heidi Newfield?

Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson and George Strait are each up for three ACM's. Kenny is vying for his sixth-straight Entertainer of the Year trophy, a feat only Alabama has accomplished (While Garth Brooks has won six, in streaks of four and two years).

Entertainer of the Year

* Kenny Chesney
* Brad Paisley
* George Strait
* Carrie Underwood
* Keith Urban

As previously announced, George will receive the designation of Artist of the Decade, following Garth Brooks (1990's); Alabama (1980's); Loretta Lynn (1970's) and Marty Robbins (1960's).

Top Female Vocalist

* Miranda Lambert
* Heidi Newfield
* Taylor Swift
* Carrie Underwood
* Lee Ann Womack

Carrie's also riding a two-year streak in this category, too...Heidi jumps right into the big distaff category, bypassing the Top New Female singer list, because of her years riding Trick Pony, I guess.

Top Male Vocalist

* Kenny Chesney
* Toby Keith
* Brad Paisley
* George Strait
* Keith Urban

Brad is the two-time reigning champ here.

Top Vocal Group

* Lady Antebellum
* Little Big Town
* Rascal Flatts
* Randy Rogers Band
* The Lost Trailers

Top Vocal Duo

* Big & Rich
* Brooks & Dunn
* Joey & Rory
* Montgomery Gentry
* Sugarland

Top New Male Vocalist

* Jamey Johnson
* James Otto
* Jake Owen

Top New Female Vocalist

* Sarah Buxton
* Julianne Hough
* Ashton Shepherd

When it was announced that Julianne, but not Jessica, was nominated here, it was a tad groan-inducing, to be honest, considering the grief Jess has endured that past few days.
Meanwhile, Julianne's opening slot on the Strait tour is a go, at least according to comments she made during the CBS "Early" fest (Maybe she assumes Chuck Wicks is such a poor hoofer they'll be gone from "Dancing with the Stars" before those two Strait dates that fall right before the "DWTS" finale in May).

Top New Vocal Duo or Group

* Eli Young Band
* The Lost Trailers
* Zac Brown Band

The winners of all three "New" artist categories will determined by GACTV.com voters between February 13 and March 5 for some reason (which must be giving Kenny Chesney fits).

Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

* Gunpowder & Lead
Miranda Lambert, Produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke
Columbia

* In Color
Jamey Johnson, Produced by The Ken Hardley Playboys
Mercury

* Johnny & June
Heidi Newfield, Produced by Tony Brown
Asylum-Curb

* Waitin' On A Woman
Brad Paisley, Produced by Frank Rogers
Arista Nashville

* You're Gonna Miss This
Trace Adkins, Produced by Frank Rogers
Capitol Nashville

Song of the Year [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

* I Saw God Today
George Strait
Composers: Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby
Publishers: Big Red Toe Music (BMI), Blind Mule Music (BMI), Extremely Loud Music (BMI), Steel Wheels Music (BMI)

* In Color
Jamey Johnson
Composers: Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller, James Otto
Publishers: Big Gassed Hitties (BMI), Eldorotto Music Publishing (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc., Lucky Thumb Music (BMI), New Song of Sea Gayle (BMI), Noah's Little Boat Music (BMI)

* Johnny & June
Heidi Newfield
Composers: Deanna Bryant, Heidi Newfield, Stephony Smith
Publishers: Amylase Music (ASCAP), Big Hit Makers Music (BMI), Rainy Graham Publishing LLC (BMI), Souljet Music Tell Texas Tune III (ASCAP)

* Waitin' On A Woman
Brad Paisley
Composers: Don Sampson, Wynn Varble
Publishers: EMI April Music, Inc. (ASCAP), Sea Gayle Music LLC (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)

* You're Gonna Miss This
Trace Adkins
Composers: Ashley Gorley and Lee Thomas Miller
Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Music of Windswept (ASCAP), Noah's Little Boat Music (BMI), Song of Combustion (ASCAP), Songs of Sea Gayle (BMI)

Video of the Year [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

* Johnny & June - Heidi Newfield
Producer: Karen Martin
Director: Eric Welch

* Just A Dream - Carrie Underwood
Producer: Randy Brewer
Director: Roman White

* Love Story - Taylor Swift
Producer: Trent Hardville
Director: Trey Fanjoy

* Troubadour - George Strait
Producer: Dominic Cancilla
Director: Trey Fanjoy

* Waitin' On A Woman - Brad Paisley
Producer: Mark Kalbfeld, Jim Shea
Director: Jim Shea, Peter Tilden

Vocal Event of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

* Another Try - Josh Turner Featuring Trisha Yearwood
Produced by: Frank Rogers
MCA Nashville

* Cowgirls Don't Cry - Brooks & Dunn Featuring Reba McEntire
Produced by: Kix Brooks, Tony Brown, Ronnie Dunn
Arista Nashville

* Down The Road - Kenny Chesney With Mac McAnally
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Blue Chair/BNA

* Life In A Northern Town - Sugarland Featuring Little Big Town & Jake Owen
Produced by: Not listed
Mercury

* Start A Band - Brad Paisley Duet With Keith Urban
Produced by: Frank Rogers
Arista Nashville

LeAnn Rimes was (?) surprised during the announcements when "Early Show" co-showtess Maggie Rodriguez told LeAnn that she would pick up this year's Home Depot Humanitarian Award.
Before she picks up that award, LeAnn's new TV movie, "Nora Roberts' Northern Lights," will premiere on Lifetime March 21.

CBS, of course, will broadcast the awards on April 5.

And there are more nominations, the complete list of which is available at the ACM site.

And if you're wondering where the Album of the Year nominations are, they'll be announced in March, for some reason.

DREAM STOMPIN' (Items on Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes)

Toby Keith went off on a concert-goer at his show in Pikesville, Kentucky Saturday night and it sounds like TK Steelman was mightily justified.
Inside of of the Toby show/Ford pickup commercial/"Beer for My Horses" trailer, a fella apparently popped "the bird" at Toby before launching a can of brew on stage.
The video is hazy.
But good for Toby,...I guess.

What is He Thinking?: Dierks Bentley and The Jonas Brothers? What's up with that?

Because of U: Now in Reba McEntire's stable, is Kelly Clarkson aiming to do something with fellow "America Idol" champ (and "kick-butt voice") Carrie Underwood? Hmmm....

Plinko!: Reba will pop up on, all of places, "The Price is Right," on February 25 to tout the Academy of Country Music Awards on which she will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for on April 5 (her 11th time hosting the show).
The nominations for said awards will be announced Wednesday morning on CBS' "Early Show" Wednesday by Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes and Jessica Simpson.
Elsewhere on the Remote Patrol: Dolly Parton will stop by Larry King's chatfest this eve , The Briley Reports sez.
Dierks is slated to perform on Leno Wednesday night, ditto Glen Campbell Friday on Craig Ferguson.

STEALING CINDERELLA (Items on Julianne Hough, Chuck Wicks, Jewel, George Strait, LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban)

I'm sure the producers of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" really wanted Julianne Hough back this season despite her self-imposed exile on Music Row (including a warm up slot with George Strait this year). So they found the enticement to bring her back: couple her with celebrity partner Chuck Wicks, aka her sweetie.
That was among the announcements about the new cast of hoofers ABC unveiled Sunday night...and which GGcolumn is, just, um, getting to.
And as long as ABC is luring back Julianne, they might as well bring back "The Love Boat." What with Chuck and Julianne and the announcement that Jewel will be a contestant, as well as her rodeo hubby Ty Murray (Those belt buckles are going to clash with some of those "DWTS" outfits, I just feel).
Meanwhile, I reckon Julianne's gonna have to re-think her road slate, which is busy already before she hooks(?) up with George May 15 and 16 (The "Dancing" finale lands on May 17). The show starts up again on March 9, with competition on March 17. How's that gonna work out? I dunno, yet.
The Chuckster also has some dates booked inside of the "DWTS" window, dunno, what, if any of those shows he'll need to ax.
Delicious entertainment journalist Nancy O'Dell is also on board to hoof it up this year, so with Jewel, that makes two "Nashville Star" hosts tripping the light fantastique...and makes you wonder why LeAnn Rimes, Cowboy Troy, and Wynonna's boogie shoes came up short. Of course, last year's "Star" master of ceremonies (Billy Ray Cyrus) has already been on "DWTS."

"Bare Skin Rug" Burn: Miranda Lambert's been toiling on her new disc and now it has a due date: September. But there's still no sure appearance by Miranda's sweetie, Blake Shelton; They'll do it "if we find something that feels right."
Speaking of country music and love...Country Music is Love wants you to know that Miranda wants your help is picking her next single.

Sweet Thing: Just the economic boost America needs: The $20 Keith Urban concert ticket! You go, boy!

From the Scanner: Farm Aid in the early '90's in Rolling Stone...when Neil Young was ticked and Roger Clinton was still blurb-worthy...

GRAMMY WRAP-UP (Items on Grammy Awards, Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, George Strait, Jennifer Nettles, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood)

Alison Krauss and Robert Plant went five-for-five at The Grammys Sunday night, with "Raising Sand" winning Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album.
"Sand's" "Please Read The Letter" took Record of the Year and the platter's "Killing the Blues" topped all comers for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals.
And, dig, "Sand's" "Rich Woman" nabbed Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals, the second straight year a selection from the "Sand" box, was tops: Last year, "Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)" was the winner.
So, as mentioned, Alison is the all-time female Grammy winner (and the most Grammy-blessed vocalist of either gender) and she's now extended her trophy case lineage to 26 of the gold and black thingies. She's also-now tied for third-most all-time (she's now just one behind the great Quincy Jones; the late classical genius Sir Georg Solti is tops with 31 Grammys).
Meanwhile, this is Plant's third Grammy. There was last year's win with Alison, plus one ten years ago for another collaboration, with his Led Zepplin co-pilot Jimmy Page, plus 'Zeppelin won the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in '05 (in a sweet class that included The Carter Family, Eddy Arnold and Jerry Lee Lewis).
And "Raising Sand" producer T-Bone Burnett copped his seventh Grammy with the Album of the Year trophy...among other wins...you'll recall his win in the category back yonder for a modest (soundtrack) project called "O Brother Where Art Thou?" no doubt.
Meanwhile, 13 (career nominations) was lucky for George Strait who nabbed his first Grammy as "Troubadour" was knighted as Best Country Album.
When Jennifer Nettles wrote, "Stay," I'm sure she had no idea how many curio cabinets she'd have to buy to contain the hardware she'd pick up for it. Besides being named as Best Country Song, it also won Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals.
Also doubly-blessed (with songs from different albums) by Grammy: Brad Paisley. "5th Gear's" (released almost two years ago) "Letter to Me" won as Best Male Country Vocal Performance and the all-star (Brad, James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgenson, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert and Steve Wariner) "Cluster Pluck" jam from "Play" was cited as Best Country Instrumental Performance.
Elsewhere, Merle Haggard may not know Carrie Underwood's "Last Name," but the ditty topped esteemed company to win for Best Female Country Vocal Performance...Several nominations for The Eagles bore one win, Best Pop Instrumental Performance, for "I Dreamed There Was No War" from their "Long Road Out Of Eden" album...Best Bluegrass Album went to Ricky Skaggs' project, "Honoring The Fathers Of Bluegrass: Tribute To 1946 And 1947"...The Gaither Vocal Band won best Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album for "Lovin' Life"..."At 89," is Pete Seeger the oldest Grammy winner ever? I dunno, but the album of the same name won the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album...and Rick Rubin, the bearded wonder who steered Johnny Cash's rich last decade of music, was cited as Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical, for a year that included twiddling the knobs for everyone from Metallica to Neil Diamond.

WHEN I GET BACK FROM WHERE I'M GOING (Items on Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, Taylor Swift, Springsteen, Toby Keith, Earl Thomas Conley)

I love an entertaining concert review almost as much as an good show. Brad Paisley & company (Dierks Bentley and Darius Rucker) in Little Rock get a once over here.
Worth noting: "A talent like Paisley doesn’t come along too often, and I suspect he is closing in on unseating Kenny Chesney as country music’s top entertainer. After all, he has already proven he can stay married to an actress a lot longer than Chesney."
Plus Dierks taking a nip from a fan's beer (Ehhhh! Cooties!)...and who'd thunk that Dierks has a weakness for...Sinatra?
Meanwhile, back home in West Virginia, Brad's pappy has helped save a valuable natural resource.
And here's another Q&A with Darius, opened with this scintillating exchange:

BMS: Hi, how's it going?

Darius Rucker: Good. How are you doing?

BMS: Very good. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me.

DR: Cool man, thanks for talking to me.

'Not sure we need an entire transcription of the conversation.

Boss Tunes: As expected, Taylor Swift's reign over the album sales chart has ended, courtesy of Super Bowl halftime star Bruce Springsteen. His ninth #1, "Working on a Dream," sold 224, 000 in its debut stanza. Taylor hung tough in the runner-up slot with 55,000 copies sold.
Further on down the line, Pat Green's new one opened at #18.
Meanwhile, The Boss is mad at TicketMaster and not too pleased with Walmart, either.
And...has it been eight weeks or eight years that Taylor's been on top (Pay attention to the first sentence on this link!).

Getcha Some: Hey, Arizona job seekers! Toby Keith's newest I Love This Bar & Grill is hiring!

Once in a Blue Moon...: You'll find a chance to catch up on your Earl Thomas Conley.

THAT "HIGH" LONESOME SOUND (Items on Jamey Johnson, Willie, Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, Martina, AJ , Clint Black, Trace, Pat Green, Dolly)

Jamey Johnson got Willie Nelson's signature on his guitar (and like all great guitars, it has a name) when he performed at Farm Aid last year.
“I can’t believe I get to open gigs for one of my heroes,” Jamey sez. “I got to hang out with him on his bus. That was a career highlight (and maybe a contact high, too).”
Now the bearded dude will open for the red-bearded stranger for a series of shows in March. And the thrice-Grammy nominated artist will warm up with a gig on Leno Thursday night and he'll be splashed over GAC this weekend. Meanwhile, Jamey's next single, "High Cost of Living," drops radio-side next week. Here (MP3 file) he talks about the ditty, which sounds like a statement on the current economic state in America, but is actually about, among other things, cocaine and whores, and how doing one and being the other, is a bad thing.

Up the Sandbox: Alison Krauss and Robert Plant (who had a mighty creative tour package, sez Pollstar) are working on their next effort in Nashville right now...and it's called "A Gated Community," but that title will probably change before you read this...all that and more in this long Q&A with the pair.

The Time has Come: Country On-Demand has the track list and cover of Martina McBride's "Shine," which comes out March 24.

Work in Progress: Alan Jackson is kicking out tour dates.

You Knew He Would: Clint Black called Trace Adkins for advice before jumping into "The Celebrity Apprentice." Trace's wisdom? "Try to Survive."

Going Green: Pat Green profiled..."I have a great job. I'm a career musician. That's pretty hard to come by...This is a hard business to get into and harder still to be successful at if you're in it."

Give the Public What They Want: Aaron Tippin and a military precision flying team from Chile on the same bill.

Give the Public What They Want: Keep your music outdoors in Nashville at 85 decibels or lower, please. It's the law. Unless it's live country music.

From the Scanner: Dolly wigs out in Blender...

MORE GRAMMY STUFF (Items on Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, Julianne Hough, Kellie Pickler, George Strait)

Sugarland and Taylor Swift have been added to the performance lineup for this year's Grammy Awards. Sugarland is up for two awards at this year's ceremony on CBS February 8.
"Fifteen" from Taylor's "Fearless" smash will be the ditty Taylor will sing, in a duet with Miley Cyrus (and also the age of the target demo CBS hopes to attract with this pairing, though it'll more likey be creepy, middle-aged men).
Sheryl Crow and a bunch of people from CBS shows (The Eyeball broadcasts the show on February 8) have also been added as presenters.
Meanwhile, CBS decided you have to be blonde to announce The Academy of Country Music Awards nominees next week, which is why LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, Julianne Hough and Kellie Pickler will do the honors from The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Music City. The ACM Awards will be broadcast live from Las Vegas on April 5th on the network.
Also, over at Country Weekly, the nominees have already been "announced." And the country music community is embracing Jessica, and I'm loving that there's more to embrace.
Back to Taylor for a sec, because there's always Taylor news...like this new spot for the NHL's Nashville Predators....



...and I'm not done with Taylor yet, because she just added her buddy, Kellie Pickler, to her tour.

Cowboys Nation is Glad that Julianne Hough, Not Jessica Simpson is the Opening Act: The Dallas Cowboys are playing in a new stadium this fall and the $1.1 billion complex will first be the site of several concerts, apparently, and that'll include George Strait, maybe.

If You're Part of the "Much" Crowd," ...You're anticipating the new Daryle Singletary album, which drops April 21.

I'm Gonna Be Somewhere: Travis Tritt just added a few new dates.