Big Country Notes

FRIENDS DEFEND FAITH HILL OVER “JOKE” DURING CMA AWARDS

Friends are speaking out for Faith Hill in the wake of the discussions taking place on blogs and chat rooms about the singer’s look of surprise on the CMA Music Awards Monday night. When the camera panned to Faith, it caught what looked like a surprised Hill saying “What?” when Carrie Underwood was named Female Vocalist. Close friend and fellow Female Vocalist nominee Martina McBride told “The Tennessean” she has seen the tape and, quote, “… because I know Faith, it is obvious to me that she was just clowning around.” McBride says the singer has been really upset that people would think that she did something maliciously to hurt Underwood. McBride says she called Hill after the show and told her that people were talking about it, and Faith replied, quote, ‘You're kidding me! I was just clowning around for the camera. I had no idea." McBride says the thing so shocking about the entire incident is that, quote, “You think people know who you are, and then all of a sudden people assume the worst about you because of some innocent, naive goofing-around thing you did backstage. It can happen to any of us."

Hill called Underwood to explain that she had been joking and to congratulate her on the win. Carrie’s publicist says, quote, "When she hung up the phone, Carrie said, 'Tim [McGraw] and Faith just went up two notches in my book. How great of them to call me immediately.'" The publicist says Underwood is not upset about the joke because Hill reached out to her so quickly after the incident.
Another nominee for Female Vocalist, Sara Evans, told “The Tennessean” that she was in the dressing room with Faith after the category had been announced and, quote, “She was totally joking ... just being funny. She is the sweetest person and would never do something like that. She was not upset that Carrie won and, in fact, was very happy for her."
Gretchen Wilson, also a nominee, says, quote, "Faith was probably being pulled and pushed in ten different directions. It is preposterous for anyone to assume they know what was happening at that moment."
Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney says, quote, "I've known Faith and been friends with her for more than a decade, and I can tell you there's not a malicious or jealous bone in her body. She is one of the sweetest souls I know. To think Faith would be disrespectful in that way is a joke, which is what it was in the first place, a joke."
Big Kenny of Big & Rich says, quote, "She [Faith] is a good person, a real good person, with a wonderful sense of humor and kindness. We can't let something like this moment, taken completely out of the context due to the miracles of television, be placed at a higher level of importance than celebrating the artistry of our town.” He adds, quote, “I guess John (Rich) and I should start issuing disclaimers before we goof around. Of course, in our case, it wouldn't help."


SUGARLAND SAYS LAST FEW WEEKS DEFINITELY BEEN A ‘RIDE’

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland agree that “Enjoy the Ride” is not only the title of their new album but the definitive description of their last couple weeks. Jennifer says, quote, "It's a good thing we named the record ‘Enjoy the Ride’ because this has been a wild one. But oh, what a sweet ride it is." Following their performance on the CMA Awards Monday night, Sugarland is in Atlanta tonight for a homecoming concert at HiFi Buys Amphitheatre. Kristian says the last time they played in Atlanta it was for 500 people in a small club but now, quote, “"Our friends aren't going to believe that now we're playing the amphitheatre down the street. I'm just thrilled to be able to drive my car to the show!" The group doesn’t get to rest after the Atlanta show -- next week they go back to New York for a special performance on “Sesame Street.”



GRETCHEN WILSON’S “COUNTRY ON ICE” SET TO AIR IN DECEMBER

Some of the world’s top ice skaters performed routines to Gretchen Wilson’s music on Wednesday during “Gretchen Wilson’s Country on Ice.” Fans not at the concert will be able to see the two-hour special over NBC on December 23rd. Gretchen and her 3/4 Ton Band performed 12 songs, including her current single “Come to Bed.” Russian world champion Irina Slutskaya, six-time U.S. men’s champion Todd Eldredge, U.S. dance pair champions Elizabeth Punsalan and Jerod Swallow, and others each skated to routines choreographed to such hits as “Redneck Woman,” “Politically Uncorrect,” and “When I Think About Cheatin’.” The ever-popular four-time world champion Kurt Browning skated a crowd-pleasing program to “Rebel Child,” and three-time U.S. men’s champion Michael Weiss did his trademark back flip during “One Bud Wiser.” All of the skaters were on the ice for the “All Jacked Up” finale, and Gretchen’s Minnesota-born band member Dan Hochhalter donned skates and jumped on the ice for his fiddle solo.



REBA McENTIRE IS WORKING ON HER DUETS ALBUM

Reba McEntire is becoming the female version of Willie Nelson, singing duets with a variety of people whom she admires. Reba is currently working on her next recording project, a duets album with friends. So far she has recorded with Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn and Kelly Clarkson, who is a big fan of Reba’s. Plans call for other recordings with Faith Hill, Justin Timberlake, Don Henley, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, LeeAnn Rimes, and Vince Gill. According to Reba, the duets project is, quote, “Going to be a blast.”

In other Reba duets, she and Kenny Chesney sing “I Was Country (When Country Wasn’t Cool)” on “She Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool: A Tribute to Barbara Mandrell” album just released. Reba also contributes “Say A Little Prayer” on Dionne Warwick’s “My Friends and Me” album.


CRAIG MORGAN SAYS TITLE OF NEW ALBUM TRULY SUMMARIZES CONTENT

The songs on Craig Morgan’s latest album are each about a “Little Bit of Life,” thus the name of the disc. Morgan explains, quote, “I wish I could say we were smart enough to have a theme when we started recording the album but we didn’t.” He adds that he always tries to record 12 or 15 great songs and at the end see what best describes the compilation of music. When he did that this time, “Little Bit of Life” seemed perfect for the title. Morgan explains that the album is really about his life and how his musical influences have always been present in it. He says, quote, “My whole life is full of those songs by Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, John Conlee, Vern Gosdin, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, George Strait … I’ve lived my whole life listening to that stuff.” He adds, quote, “I let what’s happened in my life influence the way we make these records, musically.” Fortunately, the singer says, it all works out in the end. <>



FANS BID ON MEMORBILIA LEFT FROM MARTINA MCBRIDE YWCA AUCTION

More than 100 items were left at the close of Martina McBride’s 2006 YW Celebrity Auction in June. Fans can begin bidding on these items, including a Lee Ann Womack autographed cowboy hat and Kenny Chesney autographed albums, beginning Monday on www.ywcanashville.cmarket.com. Other autographed items up for bid include Josh Turner’s jeans and Dierks Bentley’s western shirt. There are also framed and autographed posters, tour shirts and “Timeless” CD inserts from Martina. Last June’s auction, held during the CMA Music Festival, brought in 135-thousand dollars for YW programs.


QUICK BITES

Steve Azar and good buddy and professional golfer John Daly will be featured in a segment of”PGA Tour Sunday” on USA Network at 11 a.m. EST Sunday. The PGA crew caught up with the two pals at a special charity golf event hosted by Daly in Knoxville, TN, where the two played a little golf and then took to the stage with their guitars for a benefit concert.

Darryl Worley will honor veterans twice this weekend. Tonight he plays for the American Freedom Festival in Washington, D.C. and tomorrow he will perform on the Grand Ole Opry, where he will debut his single “I Just Came Back (from a War).”

Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives will be a part of the 18th annual Christmas Jam at The Asheville Civic Center on December 16th. Others on the jam include Mickey Raphael of Willie Nelson’s band, alternative rocker Dave Matthews and blues singer Taj Mahal. Tickets go on sale Monday through www.xmasjam.com.

Bluegrass great Ralph Stanley received the National Medal of Arts from President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush yesterday. The medal is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and is the nation's highest honor for artistic excellence.

“The Pam Tillis Christmas Dinner Party” will once again be a part of Gaylord Opryland's "A Country Christmas" beginning Thursday and running through January 2nd, 2007.

Barbara Mandrell and model Shalom Harlow did a photo shoot at Loveless Café in Nashville for an upcoming edition of “Harper's Bazaar.”

On the Grand Ole Opry this weekend: Buddy Jewel, Andy Griggs, The Whites, Darryl Worley, John Anderson and Hal Ketchum.

Big Country Notes

KELLIE PICKLER ALBUM DEBUTS AT NUMBER ONE

Kellie Pickler’s album “Small Town Girl” debuts at the top of “Billboard’s” Top Country Album chart this week, and came in at number nine on the magazine’s all-genre 200 chart. Sales for the album in its first week available topped the 79-thousand mark, making the “American Idol” contestant the best-selling album this year by a new country artist. These past 12 months have been a huge leap for Pickler. Just over a year ago she was a roller skating waitress in Abemarle, NC dreaming of moving to Nashville, getting a record deal and maybe singing on the Grand Ole Opry. Today all those dreams have come true for the North Carolina native. Pickler says, quote, “I’m so excited to be on the country charts, let alone number one! 2006 has been the best year ever.”

RASCAL FLATTS TO MAKE GRAMMY ANOUNCEMENT IN LOS ANGELES

Rascal Flatts, Mary J. Blige, James Blunt, Chris Brown, Josh Groben, Evanescence’s Amy Lee, Ludacris, Corinne Bailey Rae, Justin Timberlake and KT Tunstall will announce the GRAMMY nominations on December 7th in Hollywood. The announcement for the 49th annual GRAMMY awards will be held at the Music Box @ The Fonda on Hollywood Boulevard. The Grammy awards will be broadcast from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 11th on CBS.


CARRIE UNDERWOOD HITS QUADRUPLE PLATINUM STATUS WITH ALBUM

Carrie Underwood received more good news this week – the new CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and Horizon winner was just notified about the RIAA Quadruple-Platinum certification of her debut album, “Some Hearts” (signifying sales of four-million). Carrie says, quote, “There are so many people that have done so much – songwriters, producers, all the people at the label. Country radio has been awesome to me and people have requested my songs and bought the albums and seen me in concert.” Underwood just had her third number one single, “Before He Cheats,” off the album. Carrie joins Gretchen Wilson as the only solo female country artist in the past decade to have a debut album achieve that status.


RASCAL FLATTS PERFORM AT TONY BENNETT CONCERT TOMORROW

Rascal Flatts, “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, Latin pop singer Marc Anthony and jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux will join co-hosts George Clooney, Billy Crystal, Paul Newman, Jack Nicholson and Bruce Willis at “Singers and Songs Celebrate Tony Bennett’s 80th” tomorrow at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. As a special highlight of the evening, Tony Bennett will also perform. The event will benefit “The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps,” which was founded by Paul Newman. “Hole in the Wall Camps” is a non-profit organization with camps worldwide reaching out to children with serious illness and life threatening conditions.


LEE ANN WOMACK GRANTED TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER

Lee Ann Womack has been granted a restraining order against her alleged stalker. According to Georgia's "Savannah Morning News," the Grammy winner claimed in the petition filed last Friday that 36-year-old Mark Borer, who lives near Savannah, has been stalking her for the past year. Womack accuses the man of sending "various disturbing and harassing" letters and even showing up outside her parent's Texas home last November while was she visiting them.
The singer asked for immediate action on the temporary protective order because she feared Borer might try to find her at Monday night's CMA Awards in Nashville. The 30-day restraining order prevents Borer from coming within one-thousand feet of Womack, her family or production company. He also must refrain from attempting to contact Womack. Another hearing on the matter is set for December 1st.
(Metro Source)


KEITH URBAN FEATURED IN NOVEMBER 17TH ISSUE OF “BEST LIFE”

Keith Urban told “Best Life” that his marriage to Nicole Kidman is his best chance of beating his demons. He also told the magazine that like most men, he finds it hard to balance love and work. Urban says, quote, "I have spent most of my life torn between wanting to be a good husband and a good partner, and wanting to apply myself fully to my career." In regards to struggling with his addiction, Keith offered advice for those who are struggling. The singer says, quote, “Stay communicating with the people around you. Everyone gets overwhelmed at points, but it's when you think you can handle it yourself and you don't reach out for help." When Urban found himself once again drowning he checked himself into rehab on October 19th. He admits, quote, “I still wonder how to keep all these plates spinning sometimes, you know? I'm just really grateful to be present and doing what I can." For the full story, pick up of a copy of “Best Life” on newsstands November 17th.

VINCE GILL LANDS SONG ON NEW BOB SEGER ALBUM

Vince Gill wrote the only song on the new Bob Seger album “Face The Promise” that Seger didn’t write. The song, “Real Mean Bottle,” was on Gill’s “Next Big Thing” album. The idea for the song came from a story about Hank Williams Sr. A musician on one of Hank’s sessions remarked to the singer that the song they had just cut had some of the saddest lyrics he had ever heard. Hank replied, quote, “Well it was a real mean bottle.” Vince loved the phrase and turned it into a tribute to one of his major musical influences, Merle Haggard. Seger recorded it as a duet with Kid Rock. Vince says, quote, “Bob and I became friends through the game of golf but I’ve always had his records. I was drawn to his songs and have always been a big fan.” Gill adds, quote, “In the past year I’ve had cuts by Bob Seger and Eric Clapton, so it’s been a very good year.”

REBA MCENTIRE CAN’T PINPOINT ONE FAVORITE THING IN HER CAREER

Reba McEntire is at a point in her life where she could slow down, but that word is not in her vocabulary. Her sitcom “Reba” returns to the CW network on November 19th, and she has a new bedding line coming out in conjunction with Dillard’s department stores in March of 2007. In the meantime she continues to work on her clothing line. Plus Reba just taped “CMT Giants,” a special tribute to the singer by her peers which airs Saturday on CMT. Reba says, quote, “I love television. I love Broadway. The clothing line is so creative … it’s just a challenge and I think that’s what I like best in life is a challenge.” McEntire says she doesn’t think she could retire like friend Barbara Mandrell did a few years ago. She explains, quote, “I love what I’m doing, I love the entertainment business, all facets of it … but I think Barbara is totally happy with it – she’s totally content.”

TAYLOR SWIFT JUST HAPPY TO BE IN MUSIC BUSINESS

Taylor Swift may work in the music business but she says for her it’s never been a job. She explains, quote, “There are some artists out there that this is their job and then they go home and they have their life. For me this is my life. It’s never been a job.” As in any job, Taylor has studied the marketplace and found things that inspire her. She says everyone in the business whom she respects is great because they have different qualities that make each one an amazing individual. She adds, quote, “Someday I hope to have the face of Faith Hill or the charisma of Tim McGraw. I love how Miranda Lambert speaks her mind and LeAnn Rimes was one of the first country artists I ever listened to – she’s amazing.”


CMT PREMIERES JOHNNY CASH VIDEO “GOD’S GONNA CUT YOU DOWN”

Johnny Cash’s new video, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” will premiere over multiple channels today via CMT, MTV and VH1. The video features an all-star list of 36 celebrities who join together to pay tribute to Cash in the black and white video. Among those participating are Kris Kristofferson, the Dixie Chicks, Bono, Johnny Depp and Dennis Hopper. The artists mimic Cash as they all dress in black for the video presentation. “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” premieres first during “CMT Top 20 Countdown” today at 4 p.m. EST. VH1 and MTV will simultaneously premiere the video later at 11:00 p.m., EST. Additionally, CMT will re-broadcast “Johnny Cash in San Quentin” tonight from 8-9 p.m. The special was filmed in 1969 and features Cash hits including “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk the Line.” “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” is the first video from Cash’s gold-certified album “American V: A Hundred Highways.”

QUICK BITES

Rascal Flatts scored their first number one crossover single as "What Hurts The Most" tops the “Radio & Records” mainstream AC chart.

Tomorrow Josh Gracin will perform at the Veteran's Day ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA. Fifteen-thousand invited guests, including President George W. Bush, former astronaut and Senator John Glenn, active duty service members, veterans and their families will attend.

Trace Adkins received his first nomination for Favorite Male Singer in the People’s Choice awards and says, quote, “I am extremely flattered to receive this nomination and the fact that these awards are determined by the fans makes this mean even more to me.” The awards will be announced January 9th on CBS.

Danielle Peck will be the spokesperson for Safe Haven Family. The shelter provides financial, social and spiritual guidance for homeless families with children in Nashville. The singer has taped PSAs that will run on local radio stations.

Taylor Swift will perform the National Anthem live on NBC prior to the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup race series at Phoenix International Raceway.

Tracy Lawrence couldn’t find the perfect red velvet cake for his wife, Becca’s, birthday so her baked one for her himself. Tracy says, quote, “We wanted to crown her queen for a day so it only made sense to have a cake befitting a queen.” Becca adds, quote, “It was beautiful, perfect. This was a very special birthday … having Tracy home and off the road on my birthday.”

The Memphis home of Johnny Cash will be sold on Ebay, according to Nashville-based Honky Tonk Hall of Fame. The home goes up for sale on the auction site on Friday. The home boasts the guitar shaped mailbox Cash himself built on the front curb. It is well maintained with original bathroom tiles and flooring, and rich wood on the vaulted ceiling of the living room. The house sits on a cul-de-sac.

Big Country Notes

FAITH HILL SAYS SHE WAS NOT DISRESPECTFUL TO CARRIE UNDERWOOD

When the cameras panned the nominees for the CMA Female Vocalist Monday night, they caught a surprised Faith Hill appearing to say "What?" when Carrie Underwood’s name was called. Although cameras immediately cut away from Hill, it was enough to cause a buzz among fans and industry trying to figure out what Faith’s reaction was all about. Yesterday, Hill released a prepared statement saying, quote, "The idea that I would act disrespectful towards a fellow musician is unimaginable to me. For this to become the focus of attention given the talent gathered is utterly ridiculous. Carrie is a talented and deserving female vocalist of the year." Faith’s manager, Gary Borman, adds, quote, "I've worked with Faith for many years now and the idea that she would ever insult or undermine another artist, let alone another human being's success, is absolutely preposterous. Those who know her know that she's incapable of such actions. She was being playful while the nominations were being read and playful after."
The "Tennesseean" reports that Faith and Carrie talked after the show. Apparently both agreed that Hill meant no disrespect to the young singer and the two are okay with it. At the same time, Faith congratulated Carrie on her win.

KENNY CHESNEY SAYS MORE THAN SINGING OR PLAYING MAKES AN ENTERTAINER

Kenny Chesney says there is more to being an entertainer than being able to sing or play. Chesney picked up his second Entertainer of the Year from the CMA Monday night, so he probably knows what he’s talking about. Chesney says, quote, "Being an entertainer includes getting someone who doesn’t listen to country music to come in and buy your record. If they like my record maybe they’ll buy one of Keith’s [Urban] or Brad’s [Paisley]." Kenny adds that it all begins with a song and how that song is delivered. The singer says, quote, "When I look into the audience I try to look into the eyes of everybody who comes to see us. When I do I can see that they believe what we are saying and our music has been believable and that’s what makes me proudest."

BRAD PAISLEY BETTER ABLE TO CONNECT WITH FANS THESE DAYS

Brad Paisley says he is getting to know his fans better. The singer took home two trophies Monday night at the CMA Awards Show -- Album of the Year for "Time Well Wasted" and Vocal Event of the Year for "When I Get Where I’m Going" with special guest Dolly Parton. Paisley has one of the most talked about tours on the road this fall, but he maintains the songs he records help him to decide what kind of production his tour will have. Brad says, quote, "I know what the fans want now even better than I used to. I know what those folks in the first few rows [at a concert] want to hear if they haven’t heard it." He says he has started writing songs for his next album and looks forward to trying to write more of what the fans want. He adds, quote, "I feel I’m more connected to the fans and am able to write a little more personally and apply it to them."

REBA DESIGNS PURSE FOR AT RISK KIDS

Reba McEntire is one of a group of celebrities to design a lunchbox to help NOGGIN and First Book to supply at-risk kids with new books. NOGGIN Get Ready To Read Auction (http://www.nogginauctions.com/) is holding an online auction to sell the lunchboxes designed by McEntire, actor Ray Romano,talk show host Rosie O’Donnell and others. Reba’s lunchbox is painted in primary colors on a white background and includes a quote which says "Once you learn to read you will be forever free." Proceeds from the auction benefits First Book, which gives children from low income families the opportunity to read and own new books.
BROOKS & DUNN MOST AWARDED ACT FOR CMA’S AND ACM’S
With their multiple wins for Duo, Single and Music Video at Monday night’s CMA Awards, Brooks & Dunn awards total comes to 19, making them the most honored act in the history of the awards show. The duo’s Ronnie Dunn now has 20 awards with his win as Songwriter of the Year for "Believe," a song he co-wrote with Craig Wiseman. Kix Brooks and Ronnie have wrapped up the country music industry awards, as they are also the most awarded act for the Academy of Country Music, based in Los Angeles, CA.

GRETCHEN WILSON SINGS ON ICE TOMORROW NIGHT

Gretchen Wilson performs a 12-song live concert tonight at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA. While the singer belts out her hits, a group of the world’s best figure skaters will skate to her songs. The "Gretchen Wilson Country on Ice" performance will be a one-night only event. Wilson travels to Philly just after her performance on the CMA Awards show Monday night. The singer has also just released her book "Redneck Woman: Stories from My Life." Skaters confirmed for the one-time collaboration include four-time World Champion Kurt Browning, two-time Olympic medalist Irina Slutskaya, five-time U.S. champion Todd Eldredge and three-time U.S. titlist Michael Weiss.

LONESTAR WILL PERFORM "MOUNTAINS" ON INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY AWARDS

Lonestar will perform their hit single "Mountains" tomorrow night on the 12th annual Inspirational Country Music Awards (ICM) at the Acuff Theatre in Nashville. Lead vocalist Richie McDonald says, quote, "It is an honor to be a part of the ICM Awards this year. We are all family men so we have always made sure to make music that everyone can enjoy and listen to." McDonald adds, quote, "Most of our songs are about love, life, family, and just real down-to-earth situations and feelings. That’s why most of our fans can relate to us and our music." Charlie daniels will open the evening with "Preachin’, Prayin’, Singing’." Others on the show include Trent Tomlinson, who will sing his hit "One Wing in the Fire," Randy Owen of Alabama, Jimmy Wayne and Blue County. Presenters include Julie Roberts, Barbara Fairchild and CMT’s Katie Cook and Lance Smith. The live show will be televised on the Gospel Music Channel at 8 p.m. EST. WSM-AM will air the show live and it will be available on CMT Loaded for one year.

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED IN PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

On the heels of her two wins at the CMA awards Monday night, Carrie Underwood took home two People’s Choice nominations yesterday -- Female Singer and Country Song for "Before He Cheats." Joining Underwood in the Female Singer category are Faith Hill and Shakira. "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts and "When the Stars Go Blue" by Tim McGraw are nominated for Country Song. Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith received Male Singer nods. The 33rd annual People's Choice Awards will be broadcast on CBS Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on January 9th, 2007.

QUICK BITES

Toby Keith joins friend Willie Nelson in the singer’s support of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Nelson teamed with the Society for Animal Protective Legislation to speak out for the end to unnecessary horse slaughter.

Wynonna and Naomi Judd will get together for one performance when they perform "Love Can Build a Bridge" in honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday in Washington DC.

Rodney Atkins’ song, "If You’re Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)," was named Song of the Year at the annual SESAC awards. It also earned writers Sam and Annie Tate Songwriters of the Year. Akins says, quote, "This has been the best year of my life for my career, and I owe it to these guys for writing an amazing song."

Steve Azar will open concerts for classic rocker Bob Seger this fall, beginning tonight in Grand Rapids, MI. Other cities on the tour include Grand Rapids, MI, Charleston, WV, Milwaukee, WI, Indianapolis, IN and Knoxville, TN. It's Seger's first tour with his Silver Bullet Band in a decade.

Glen Campbell, Raul Malo and Ricky Skaggs were part of a concert tribute to Roy Orbison last Saturday in Cleveland, OH. Orbison is the subject of an exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in that city.

The CMA Awards Monday night scored a ratings win for ABC. The network averaged a nine-point-nine rating/15 share. It was down some from last year's awards on CBS but the best for Monday night.

2006 CMA Award Winners

Single of the Year
“Believe” Brooks & Dunn Produced by Tony Brown/Kix Brooks/Ronnie Dunn Arista Nashville

Song of the Year
“Believe” Craig Wiseman/Ronnie Dunn Sony/ATV Tree/Showbilly Music/Big Loud Shirt

Music Video of the Year
“Believe” Brooks & Dunn Directed by Robert Deaton/George J. Flanigen IV

Vocal Group of the Year
Rascal Flatts

Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn

Male Vocalist of the Year
Keith Urban

Musical Event of the Year
Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)“When I Get Where I’m Going” Arista Nashville

Horizon Award
Carrie Underwood

Female Vocalist of the Year
Carrie Underwood

Album of the Year
Time Well Wasted Brad Paisley Produced by Chris DuBois/Frank Rogers Arista Nashville

Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney

Bocephus Coming To Expo Center!

Hank Williams Jr. will be at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center on December 31, 2006. It will be a great New Year's Eve show with special guests to be announced.

Tickets are now on sale at the Expo Center box office. You may charge by phone by calling 606-433-1793 or log on to http://www.ticketmaster.com