Big Country Notes

“CMT GIANTS” DEBUTS TOMORROW WITH TRIBUTE TO REBA MCENTIRE

Reba McEntire says she turned CMT down when they called to ask her to be the first person featured in their new “CMT Giants” series. Reba says, quote, “"Well, at first I said, ‘no, you all are kidding, that’s funny, no thank you’ because I don’t feel like a giant.” Once she realized that CMT was serious Reba consented, saying, quote, “I was very flattered and very honored – I didn’t know how I could live up to it but I sure did have a good time." Celebrities from music and television turned out to honor Reba. Kelly Clarkson told andpop.com, quote, “I am here to tell Reba she's awesome. I love her, I adore her. ... She's just done so many great things, and so many great things for people. She's just a really great person, amazing." Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles says, quote, “She does it all …she is the consummate professional. She sets a goal and she goes after it and that is definitely something to emulate.” “CMT Giants: Reba” airs tomorrow on CMT and simulcasts on MHD, the MTV Networks' high-definition channel.
Celebrities from both music and television will salute Reba, including Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, LeAnn Rimes, Megan Mullally, Wynonna, Dolly Parton, James Denton, Dakota Fanning, Andie MacDowell, Beau Bridges, Barbara Mandrell, Melissa Peterman and Christopher Rich.
Reba told contactmusic.com that hearing her friends and peers perform her hit songs for the CMT special was a little strange. McEntire says, quote, “I’ve been singing them all my life it seems like … to hear someone else sing them … I thought ‘Gosh I should have done it like that.” Reba adds, quote, “I told Kelly Clarkson she now owns ‘Why Haven’t I Heard from You.’ She sang the fool out of that one…it was just a different song.”

REBA MCENTIRE’S “REBA” DEBUTS NEW SEASON SUNDAY NIGHT

The day after her television special “CMT Giants: Reba,” Oklahoma native Reba McEntire will debut the new season of her sitcom “Reba” on the CW network. The show makes its return Sunday with back-to-back episodes beginning at 7 p.m. EST. The following week the network will air a repeat of the show at 7 p.m. followed by an original at 7:30 p.m. Reba says, quote, “We’re in our sixth season and we’re very excited that it is being put on the air in November.” When “Reba” was picked up by the CW discussion was that it would not be on the air until the first of the year. <>
Season four of “Reba” is now available on DVD. The storyline throughout season four centers around Reba’s onscreen ex-husband, Brock, and his new wife, Barbara Jean, and their ongoing marital problems, and how Reba gets pulled into them.

HOUSTON RODEO RELEASES INITIAL 2007 ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

George Strait opens the Houston Rodeo and Livestock show on February 27th, marking his 20th anniversary of playing the event. Alan Jackson is booked for March 8th and Sugarland is scheduled for March 12th. Texas rockers ZZ Top close out the event on March 18th. Although it doesn’t list any other specific country artists, the rodeo’s entertainment schedule notes ten other country acts will be performing. One of those will be Josh Turner, who says he is excited to be headlining a night of entertainment at the event.

Quick Facts – Brooks & Dunn hold the all-time attendance record, 72-thousand people, on March 17, 2006. Kenny Chesney brought in 70-thousand in attendance on 18, 2004, putting him in the rodeo’s top 20 and giving him the second highest attendance for a country artist.
George Strait has played the Houston rodeo more than any other artist – 19 times between 1983 and 2006. He performed 15 years in a row, from 1983 to 1997. Four of his concerts made it into the Top 20 attendance listing.

LITTLE JIMMY DICKENS HONORED BY ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC

Country Music Hall of Fame member Little Jimmy Dickens was the recipient of the Pioneer Award from the Academy of Country Music last weekend during his Opry performance at the Ryman Auditorium. Dickens’ career has included hits from the early days of country radio including “Out Behind the Barn” and “A-Sleepin' at the Foot of the Bed.” He also had one of country's most successful early crossover hits, “May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose.” Dickens says of his award, quote, “I’m not quite sure I deserve this honor because for the past 58 years I had the pleasure of working with, and learning from the deceased pioneers of country music. I want to thank the Grand Ole Opry for the years I’ve spent with them because without them there would never have been a Little Jimmy Dickens.” Other artists on hand for the presentation were Rodney Atkins, Barbara Mandrell, Darryl Worley and Bill Anderson.

SAMMY KERSHAW GETS CALL FOR MOVIE ROLE

Sammy Kershaw was called to appear in the movie “Ghost Town,” an independent film shot in Maggie Valley, NC. The film, an 1850’s western, is based on a true story about a man who comes out of the mountains to avenge the death of his father and the abuse of his daughter. Sammy says, quote, “My character is this notorious marshall that you hear about throughout the film, and only see in the closing scene. It was great experience!” Stella Parton is also in the film, which is slated for release in May of 2007.

ALISON KRAUSS BRINGS JOY TO KIDS VIA SANTA TRAIN THIS WEEKEND

Alison Krauss will bring joy to lots of kids in Appalachia tomorrow when she rides the Santa Train through that region to help distribute 15-tons of toys and gifts. The tradition of the Christmas train is to take gifts to thousands of people in the Appalachian area for the Christmas season. Alison will begin her journey in Kingsport, TN and travel 110-miles through 14 towns in Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky before ending her ride in Pikeville, KY. This is the 64th year for the Santa Train. Previous celebrities who have taken the journey include Naomi Judd, Patty Loveless, Travis Tritt and Rebecca Lynn Howard.

QUICK BITES

Renee Zellweger told the British tabloid “Now” that her four-month marriage to Kenny Chesney was, quote, "the biggest personal mistake of my life." Renee says she used the marriage as a way to escape her life as a Hollywood celebrity. She says, quote, “I was looking for something else…I was going through huge life changes at the time. I wanted to stop and be a girl for a while.”

Vince Gill and NASCAR driver Kyle Petty will be honorary co-chairmen of the second annual Spring Sound & Speed scheduled for January 12th – 13th in Nashville. Supermodel Niki Taylor, Ray Stevens and drivers Richard Petty and Michael Waltrip are already on the schedule. Billed as "A Celebration of Music & Motorsports," the event raised 300-thousand dollars for charity last year

Josh Gracin and wife Ann Marie welcome their third child, Gabriella Ann Gracin who was born Wednesday and weighed sevenpounds-12 ounces. Gabriella joins siblings Briana and Landon.
Hampton Otis Turner may be just a few weeks old but he’s already received his first music industry award. Hampton was given a plaque at the party Wednesday for his dad Josh Turner’s number one hit “Would You Go with Me.” Hampton’s plaque listed the things that were going on with his dad the week Hampton was born, including having a number one hit song, a platinum album and a number one video.

Keith Urban fans have created a very cool limited edition 2007 calendar that helps raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. T he singer authorized the calendar, which uses photos of him taken by his fans. The fifth edition of the calendar can be found at www.keithurban.net.

On the Opry this weekend – Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith, Radney Foster, Restless Heart and more

Big Country Notes

KEITH URBAN HAS BEST SALES WEEK FOLLOWING CMA WIN

Keith Urban wasn’t at the CMA awards when he won Male Vocalist last Monday but his presence is being felt this week as his new album "Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing" shoots to the top of the “Billboard” Top Country Albums chart and comes in at number three on the magazine’s 200 all-genre chart. Sugarland's "Enjoy the Ride" debuted at number two on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums and number four on the 200 all-genre chart. As shoppers begin their holiday buys, several albums have seen an increase in sales, including Brad Paisley’s “Time Well Wasted” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Hillbilly Deluxe.” They move back up the “Billboard” 200 all-genre chart to 34 and 58, respectively.

JOSH TURNER CELEBRATES NUMBER ONE WITH “WOULD YOU GO WITH ME”

Josh Turner came out to celebrate his number one single “Would You Go with Me” with writers Shawn Camp and John Scott Sherrill last night at BMI’s Nashville office. This marks two number one songs for Turner, who described the single as an incredible song. He said, quote, “Having two number one songs has really taken my career to a different level for me.” Turner has high hopes for the new single, “Me and God,” which he describes as, quote, “In the same fashion as “Long Black Train.” Turner says that he didn’t think “Me and God,” which features vocals by bluegrass great Ralph Stanley, would be released as a single. He says they sent it out as a test and radio was very receptive to it. He explains, quote, “After long black train we devoted ourselves to breaking away from that stereotype of me being a gospel singer or whatever you want to call it. I wanted people to know I’m a country singer.” He adds, quote, “I came from the country. I’m a country boy. My faith is a big facet but it’s just one aspect of the way I grew up.”

LeANN RIMES REMOVES POST REGARDING FAITH HILL, CARRIE UNDERWOOD CONROVERSY

LeAnn Rimes put a post on her website last week following the Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood controversy. As previously reported, Faith says she was joking when cameras caught her mouthing “What” after Carrie was announced as CMA’s Female Vocalist. The “Tennessean” and WKRN reported on LeAnn’s post, which read in part, quote, “Okay, I usually keep quiet on topics like this but I feel I need to stand up for my friend, Faith. She was just being honest and emotional like every other person sitting at home with an opinion.” LeAnn added, quote, “"These awards shows are SO political and we all get fed up with them. We all work very hard and have for many years so to see someone come in and win Female Vocalist that has been here for a VERY short time, is a little disheartening.”
LeAnn says that Carrie had an incredible year and should have definitely won the Horizon Award, which Underwood also received. LeAnn said she didn’t think Faith was angry at the loss, but, quote, “she probably felt, as I did, that Carrie has not paid her dues long enough to fully deserve that award.” She adds, quote, "As artists and public figures, we have to keep our feelings so repressed so we don't get called ungrateful as Faith has on this board many times now. She is a very sweet and gracious woman, whom I adore. Please cut her some slack!" The post was only up for a few days before LeAnn took it down and replaced it with another post that read, quote, “This post is going to become more controversial than it needs to be. I have enjoyed talking with you about our opinions but feel that this already is blown way out of proportion.” At that point, she added, quote, "I stand by Faith as my fellow artist and friend as an honest mistake was magnified. I also, as you know from previous post, respect Carrie and wish her well!"

CARRIE UNDERWOOD’S “SOME HEARTS” MOVES BACK INTO “BILLBOARD” 200

Carrie Underwood continues to celebrate – the new CMA Female Vocalist and Horizon winner found out that “Some Hearts” has moved back into the “Billboard” 200 all-genre chart. The album sold nearly 72-thousand copies for a 59 percent jump in sales, which moved it back to number eight on the chart. The news comes exactly a year after the album was released. Carrie may pick up even more trophies Tuesday when the American Music awards are presented – she’s nominated for Favorite Female Artist – Country and Favorite New Breakthrough Artist all genres. Underwood will perform a medley of “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” and “Before He Cheats.” Other country acts on the show are Rascal Flatts and the Dixie Chicks.

KEITH URBAN AMONG STARS MAKING TIME FOR CHARITY

Keith Urban is among the artists who've given pieces of memorabilia from which the Nixon company is creating unique timepieces. The accessories company collected donations of clothing, guitar straps, instruments, and other material from the stars and have fashioned them into wristwatches. The name of the artist from whose donation the watch was made is etched onto the watchband. A variety of celebrities are contributing to the cause, including Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, shock rocker Alice Cooper, singer-actress Jennifer Lopez, and actor Robert Downey Jr. The limited-edition collection of music-memorabilia watches will be available at certain Barney's stores and other boutiques through January 15th. Money raised from the watch sales will go to the MusiCares MAP fund, which helps musicians in crisis with medical, financial, and other aid. (Metro Source)

ACM SPONSORS COUNTRY MUSIC STAGE AT RODEO FINALS

Country music and rodeos go hand in hand and the Academy of Country Music is taking advantage of that to sponsor a country music stage during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this month. Taylor Swift, Heartland, Trent Wilmon, Cowboy Crush, Ray Scott and The Skeeters will entertain at the free country music shows November 30th through December 9th. The stage will be located outside the entrance of the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

REBA PRESENTS CHECK TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Reba McEntire presented a check to Habitat for Humanity for 54-thousand dollars. The money was raised from ticket sales to the taping of “CMT Giants: Reba” at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood in October. The special, which airs Saturday on CMT, features celebrities from both music and television, including Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, LeAnn Rimes, Megan Mullally, Wynonna, Dolly Parton, James Denton, Dakota Fanning, Andie MacDowell, Beau Bridges, Barbara Mandrell, Melissa Peterman and Christopher Rich. Reba’s family was also present to watch the taping, which honored McEntire for her exceptional career. Among the awards the singer has won are 15 American Music Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards, two Grammy’s and the CMT Johnny Cash Visionary Award.

VINCE GILL GETS BUCK OWENS GUITAR

Vince Gill was in Bakersfield, CA Tuesday night to play for a sold out show at the Fox Theatre. While there, Vince received a wonderful gift prior to the show – a Buck Owens guitar. Seems that once upon a time, Buck had given Vince a guitar but decided it wasn’t a very good one. He picked out another instrument to present to Gill but was unable to give it to Vince before he passed away last year. KERO reports that Vince was presented the second Buck Owens guitar Tuesday night. Buck had inscribed it with, quote, “I finally got it right, a fan, Buck Owens.”

QUICK BITES

Sara Evans made an appearance on the final episode of “Dancing with the Stars” last night. She and Tony Dovolani danced briefly to “These Boots Are Made For Walking,” one of her most popular dance routines before she left the show in October. When asked for her favorite moment, Sara replied, quote, “Making a life-long friend in Tony.”

Carolina Rain made such an impression during their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry last month that the band has been invited back to perform again on Saturday. They will be on the televised portion of the Opry.

The PovertyNeck Hillbillies have been nominated for “Best New Country Band” by “New Music Weekly” magazine. The “New Music Awards” show will be held at the Avalon Hollywood Theatre in Hollywood, CA Saturday.

Ashley Judd is featured on the December cover of “Marie Claire” magazine, posing sans shirt with her hands strategically placed. The cover line reads "Naked Ambition: Ashley Judd's Fight to Change the World."

The Colgate Country Showdown will hold its national finals January 25th, 2007 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This is the 25th anniversary for the country music talent contest.

Big Country Notes

BROOKS & DUNN SAY TO SHOOT VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE

It was apparently an easy decision to shoot a video for Brooks and Dunn’s new single, “Hillbilly Deluxe.” Kix Brooks says with a laugh, quote, “This song is a video.” Ronnie Dunn adds, quote, “Yeah, you can just see pickups and rednecks and bonfires out in the woods.” Plans call for a video shoot within the next few weeks, as the duo’s schedule allows. Kix and Ronnie close out their “Long Haul” tour at the Las Vegas Hilton December 4th through 6th, during National Rodeo Finals in that city. These are the first dates of the duo’s two-year contract with the Hilton, which they signed last spring. Kix and Ronnie are also scheduled to perform there in March and July of 2007.
Also booked during rodeo festivities at the Hilton are Big & Rich December 1st through 3rd and Vince Gill, December 7th through 9th.

BRAD PAISLEY PICKS UP FOUR FRENCH MUSIC AWARDS

Brad Paisley is on a roll – after picking up two CMA trophies last week, the singer just picked up four more honors, this time from the French Country Music Awards. Paisley was named Best Entertainer and Best Musician. Plus his album "Time Well Wasted" was named Best Album while his hit "The World" took Best Song. Alan Jackson received Best Male Vocalist, and Toby Keith's "As Good As I Once Was" was named Best Video. Brooks & Dunn took home Vocal Duo and Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles was named Best Female Vocalist. Eric Church was recognized as Best New Talent. Keith Urban got the nod for Best Live Performance and Alison Krauss and Union Station were named Best Bluegrass Band. The fourth annual French Country Music Awards were held near Lyon, France last Friday.

MARTINA McBRIDE RELEASES FIRST SONG THAT SHE HAD A PART IN WRITING

Martina McBride says she didn’t know if she had anything to say when the Warren Brothers asked her to write with them. Brad and Brett Warren were on Martina’s “Timeless” tour when they suggested she collaborate with them. At first McBride says she declined because, quote, “I told them I wasn’t really a songwriter.” The brothers encouraged her, saying, quote, “Oh c’mon. Sit down with us and see what you have to say’.” The result of the co-writing session was “Anytime,” McBride’s new single. She says, quote, “I was kind of surprised [to find] that I do have something to say.” McBride debuted “Anytime” on the CMA awards last week. The ballad will be on her new album which releases next year.

BRAD PAISLEY WINDING DOWN TOUR, LOOKING AHEAD TO CHRISTMAS

Brad Paisley may be winding down his “Time Well Wasted Tour” but his energy level remains high. The Greenville, SC Bi-Lo Center was filled with enthusiastic fans Friday night when Brad and guests Carrie Underwood and Jake Owen took to the stage. Paisley treated the crowd to animated videos that he wrote and produced. Also featured was a mini movie set in the old west featuring Brad and his band portraying a sheriff and deputies chasing the bad guys in slapstick fashion. Fans in eight more cities will get to attend the “Time Well Wasted Tour,” which ends December 8th in Chicago. Brad is looking forward to some time off to get ready for his and wife Kimberley’s baby, due in February. He also has a new holiday album, “Brad Paisley Christmas.” The album has been in stores a few weeks now but Paisley says, quote, “It still feels weird before Thanksgiving to be to be talking about a Christmas album.” Apparently fans don’t feel weird about buying it as discs are disappearing off the shelves. The album includes “Born on Christmas Day,” a song Brad wrote when he was 12.

WYNONNA SAYS REBA HAS BEEN THERE THROUGHOUT HER CAREER

Wynonna Judd says when Reba McEntire called and asked her to participate in “CMT Giants: Reba,” she had to say yes. Wynonna says, quote, “I have known her my whole career – she was already popular when Mom and I first started out.” Wynonna adds with a chuckle, quote, “I also have blackmail photos of us … the clothes we wore, the hair. I just look at those and go ‘what was I thinking?’” On a more serious note, Wynonna says people often compare her and her husband, [D.R.] Roach, to Reba and her husband, Narvel Blackstock. Wynonna says, quote, “I have lot of memories of her and Narvel -- their work ethic is unparalleled.” She says Reba has always been around since she got into music, from playing at rodeos to sitting next to her at awards shows. Even though she was taking time off when Reba called to ask her to be a part of the show, Wy says she had to do it. She explains, quote, “It was a no brainer.” “CMT Giants: Reba” airs Saturday on CMT.

JIMMY BUFFETT SUES OVER TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT

Singer Jimmy Buffett has asked a federal judge to stop a website from infringing on his trademarks. The lawsuit filed in Galveston, TX, accused Robert Akard of operating UnderOneHut.com, a website which allegedly sells Buffett's trademarked items without permission. Buffett won a court order in Nevada, but said it "wasn't comprehensive enough" and Akard has since been selling those items out of New York, Florida and Texas. Buffett says Akard advertises his site as "Jimmy Buffett's Online Store for Merchandise." The website sells T-shirts, CDs and other Buffett merchandise. The singer is asking a judge to order Akard to stop using his name and likeness, as well as to account for his profits and turn them over. Buffett is also seeking unspecified damages. (Metro Source)

JACK INGRAM HAS SECOND TOP TEN HIT AND TOPS VIDEO CHARTS

Jack Ingram continues his chain of success with his second top-ten country radio hit with the tongue-in-cheek single “Love You.” Additionally, the video for the song has topped the CMT Top 20 Countdown. Speakig of videos, Ingram’s first number one hit, “Wherever You Are,” received one of CMT’s “Sexiest Videos of 2006” nods and will be featured in a special on November 25th. Other artists in the special include Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and George Strait. In other Ingram news, Jack will take a few days off over Thanksgiving to spend with his family before hitting the road with Gary Allan for a West Coast tour beginning December 1st and 2nd in Las Vegas. The tour continues in California on December 3rd at the House of Blues in West Hollywood; Palm Desert, December 5th; Ventura, December 6th; Bakersfield, December 7th; Temecula, December 8th and Kelseyville, December 9th. Ingram ends his year at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth on December 31st.

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC ANNOUNCES AWARDS DATE

The Academy of Country Music will host its 42nd annual Academy Of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, NV on May 15th, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. The show will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena on the CBS Television Network. This is the fifth year for the show to be in Las Vegas. Activities surrounding the awards include multiple nights of country music on Fremont Street, a celebrity motorcycle ride and the All-Star Jam post-awards concert.

QUICK BITES

Dierks Bentley will celebrate his number one single “Every Mile’s a Memory” today with writers Brett Beavers and Steve Bogard. The reception will take place at a local Nashville pool hall, where Dierks, Brett and Steve will be honored by performing rights organizations BMI and ASCAP, as well as “Country Weekly,” the Country Music Association and Country Radio Broadcasters.

“Nashville Star” premiers season five on January 11th over the USA Network. As previously announced, Jewel and Cowboy Troy will co-host, while Randy Owen of Alabama, Blake Shelton and Anastasia Brown will be judges for this year’s competition.

Jack Ingram had the opportunity to meet one of his musical heroes, Kris Kristofferson recently. Ingram says, quote, “Kris was such a genuine guy, and even though we only had a few minutes to talk, it was a moment I will always remember—Kristofferson is a man who has done it all without sacrificing his integrity.”

Emerson Drive recently sold out a string of shows in Montana, and the band’s upcoming show in Spokane, WA on Thursday is also sold out. The band recently shot the video for their next single, “Moments,” in Nashville. The song is about a homeless man who finds his own purpose by helping unveil another’s.

“Waylon Sings Hank Williams” is a collection of classic Hank Williams songs sung by the late Waylon Jennings. In stores now, the album includes “Hey Good Lookin’,” “Jambalaya,” “Honky Tonkin’” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”

Lila McCann has released a Christmas single, “Peace on Earth.” McCann says, quote, “I fell so blessed to have been chosen as the ambassador for this wonderful song and such wonderful causes.” Sales from the single will raise money for charities that support victims of 9/11 and hurricanes, as well as families of soldiers serving in the Middle East. The singer is working on her fourth album for Broken Bow Records.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Louvin, half of the legendary country music duo The Louvin Brothers, will release his first album in over ten years on February 20th, 2007. Featured on the album will be appearances by George Jones, Bobby Bare Sr., Tom T. Hall, rocker Elvis Costello and alt-country singer Tift Merritt. The album will include classic Louvin Brothers material as well as songs popularized by country pioneers including Jimmie Rogers and the Carter Family.

Grand Ole Opry member Stonewall Jackson will celebrate his 50th year as a member of that long-running radio show on Saturday. Jackson also is scheduled to host the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree from the Ernest Tubb Theatre that night.

Big Country Notes

KENNY CHESNEY TOUR NAMED TOP PACKAGE AT BILLBOARD TOUR AWARDS

Kenny Chesney’s “The Road and the Radio” tour was named Top Package tour for 2006 at the Billboard Touring awards Thursday for the second year in a row. Joining Chesney on the tour, depending on the venue, were Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich, Carrie Underwood, Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley and Blaine Larsen. Chesney was the only country act on the road this year doing stadium shows. The singer sold out eight stadium shows in cities as diverse as Seattle, WA, Nashville, Boston, MA, Tampa Bay, FL and Chicago, IL.
The Creative Artists Agency, which booked Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s “Soul 2 Soul” tour, was named top agency.

BROOKS & DUNN TAKE HOME TWO INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC AWARDS

Brooks & Dunn took home two Inspirational Country Music Awards Thursday night – “Believe” was named Song of the Year and Video of the year. Carrie Underwood was named Mainstream Country Artist. The awards were held at the Acuff Theatre in Nashville and broadcast on the Gospel Music Channel.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY TO PLAY NEW YEAR’S SHOW IN LEXINGTON

Montgomery Gentry is throwing the duo’s third New Year’s Eve bash in their home state of Kentucky. Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry have invited Gary Allan, Styx and Rodney Atkins to join them at their show at Rupp Arena in Lexington on December 31st. The first year for the show the duo drew eight thousand fans; last year they brought in 12-thousand for the party. Tickets for the show go on sale Saturday.

GEORGE STRAIT HITS 25-YEAR MILESTONE

The newest member of the Country Music Hall of Fame is celebrating another career milestone this year – George Strait has been a national recording artist for 25 years. Strait says it doesn’t seem that long and he really wasn’t even thinking about it being his 25th year until he started recording his latest album, “It Just Comes Natural.” Strait says, quote, “I just haven’t gone along in my career thinking this has been 10 years or 20 years.” When asked how he will celebrate, the singer admits he hasn’t even thought about that. George says, quote, “I’m sure we’ll celebrate in a few ways but I don’t have anything planned for that right now.” In other Strait news, Hallmark announced today that “Fresh Cut Christmas,” a holiday album of traditional seasonal songs personally selected by Strait for Hallmark, has been certified Platinum (one million copies sold) in just seven days. <>

VINCE GILL FINDS HIMSELF AT A GOOD PLACE IN HIS LIFE

Vince Gill says there was a time in his life in the not too distant past that he was questioning what he was doing in music. One of the things that helped him realize he was still doing the right thing was when Eric Clapton asked him to participate in his guitar festival in Texas. Gill says when he saw that Clapton recognized him as a musician, he understood that he didn’t have to fit into a particular mold. Gill says, “It gave me more freedom to be me, and I think that’s what has happened with this record [‘These Days’]. It has songs that are all over the board … things I may not have ever done before.” Vince says he recorded things on this album that are very different for him. While he hopes people will like it, he says he went into the studio with the mind set that he would go in and play and not worry exactly where the music fell. He says, quote, “Whether this record sells a hundred million records or a hundred records, at the end of the day not one note will change because of it. I’ve kind of learned to let go of the results and I feel very comfortable, confident and satisfied that that I did the best I could do within the frame that it that it [album] sits in.” <>

STEVE HOLY HELPS WRITERS CELEBRATE NUMBER ONE

Steve Holy was in Nashville last week to help writers Jeffrey Steele, Shane Minor and Bart Allmand celebrate “Brand New Girlfriend” going to number one on the “Billboard” country singles chart. Holy says, quote, “I don’t get to hang out with these guys enough so it was fun to be able to be in town to help celebrate my second number one.” Holy found the song when a publishing company had invited him over to listen to songs when he was cutting the new album. When asked what struck him about this particular song, Holy says, quote, “Without going into too much detail, I was going through something similar at the time. I figured if I related to it a lot of other people would too.”

QUICK BITES

The profile of Kenny Chesney that was scheduled to air last night on CBS’ “60 Minutes” will be rescheduled.

Carrie Underwood is the only female solo artist to top “Billboard’s” country chart in 2006. In fact, the singer has done it twice -- first with “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and currently with “Before He Cheats”.

Gretchen Wilson and journalist Ed Bradley's became friends after he interviewed her for "60 Minutes." Gretchen says of her interview with Bradley, quote, “"I actually couldn't believe it, a man like him, talking to a girl like me, Ed Bradley was a great man, a phenomenal journalist and a huge music lover. I am honored to have known him and called him my friend." Bradley passed away Thursday.

The “Chicago Sun-Times” reports that actor Robert Downey Jr. has been talking with Keith Urban and his wife Nicole Kidman during this time that the singer is in a rehab center for alcoholism. Downey, who co-stars with Kidman in the new movie “Fur,” has himself battled addiction. Apparently he has been a great source of inspiration for Keith and support for Nicole during this time.

"BORAT” CONTINUES BOX OFFICE BOON

It's another big box office weekend for "Borat." Sacha Baron Cohen's over-the-top mockumentary is again the top draw at the movie box office. "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" maintains the pole position for a second weekend, taking in 29 million in box office receipts and an overall total of 67-point-eight-million. The Tim Allen holiday comedy "The Santa Clause 3" was second with 16-point-nine-million. It was followed by the animated comedy "Flushed Away" with 16-point-seven-million. Opening in fourth place was the new Will Ferrell comedy "Stranger Than Fiction" which made its box office debut with 14-point-one-million in box office receipts. And the gory horror thriller "Saw III," rounded out the top five at number five with six-point-six million.
Meantime, "A Good Year," the new romantic comedy starring Oscar winner Russell Crowe, just managed to crack the top ten in its opening weekend. The film opened at number ten with just three-point-eight-million in box office receipts.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. (final figures will be released today):

1. "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," $29 million.
2. "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause," $16.9 million.
3. "Flushed Away," $16.7 million.
4. "Stranger Than Fiction," $14.1 million.
5. "Saw III," $6.6 million.
6. "Babel," $5.65 million.
7. "The Departed," $5.2 million.
8. "The Return," $4.8 million.
9. "The Prestige," $4.6 million.
10. "A Good Year," $3.8 million.