Big Country Notes for Mar 21

KEITH URBAN IS “DOWN UNDER” THIS WEEK

Keith Urban is in Australia on a promotional tour in support of his current CD “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing” this week. According to the “Melbourne Herald Sun,” his wife Nicole Kidman didn’t join him. She’s busy with her own work – preparing for the release of three films. Keith and Nicole plan to put some roots down outside the U.S. He told Sydney radio station Nova 969, quote, “This year is the start of us spending a lot more time here. It’s great that we both have family here and are getting to the point where we have more ability to come back more often.” Urban’s “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing” world tour kicks off in Munich, Germany April 19th. The trek ends May 22nd in Perth, Australia and then he embarks on his U.S. dates June 8th in Phoenix, AZ.

REBA AND JUSTIN MAKE MAGIC IN THE STUDIO

When Justin Timberlake joined Reba McEntire in the Starstruck Studios in Nashville last week, they made magic. Producer Tony Brown told Nashville’s “Tennessean” newspaper, quote, “I think everybody will be surprised by the song we did. I know Reba and I was surprised when he pitched us the song in Los Angeles.” Timberlake co-wrote the tune “The Only Promise That Remains” with singer/songwriter/actor Gary Morris’ son Matt. Brown describes the duet as “a Celtic love song.” Justin had lots of praise for Reba. Brown says, quote, “He was totally blown away by her. Every time she would do one of her Reba stylistic licks, he would go crazy.”

Reba spent a lot of time in the studio last week. Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson and Rascal Flatts recorded with her for her upcoming duets album project.

JASON ALDEAN’S “JOHNNY CASH” VIDEO DEBUTS ON CMT TODAY

Jason Aldean’s new video “Johnny Cash” will premiere today on CMT’s “Top Twenty Countdown.” The clip was shot in Las Vegas last month. Aldean says shooting the video was a “pretty interesting experience.” The weather didn’t exactly cooperate. He says, quote, “We even shot through snow flurries one night, and it was about as cold as I’ve ever been.” To be sure the attitude of the song was captured correctly, Aldean and his band spent two and a half days filming. Upon seeing the final cut, the singer says, quote, “I think it’s cool.” “Johnny Cash” is actually not about the icon – it’s about hitting life’s highway with the top down and “Folsom Prison Blues” or “Big River” blaring on the stereo.

TOBY, KEITH AND BON JOVI ADDED TO “2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS”

Toby Keith, Keith Urban and Bon Jovi have been added to the list of performers for the “CMT Music Awards.” Urban will perform from Australia where he’ll be on his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing” world tour. Previously announced singers include Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley. The “CMT Music Awards” will air live from Nashville’s Belmont University April 16th at 8 p.m. EASTERN.

JOE NICHOLS THRILLED TO BE PERFORMING WITH GEORGE JONES AT RYMAN AUDITORIUM

Joe Nichols has experienced two big career highlights within a few weeks. When Nichols showed up at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Sunday night, he had no idea that his idol George Jones would ask him to sing on two songs. Joe says, quote, “I got to perform a few weeks ago with George at the Opry, and I can honestly say it was one of the coolest, most exciting moments of my life. That is until last [Sunday] night when I got to sing with him again.” Jones introduced Nichols as “the future of traditional country music” before the singer performed the Merle Haggard classic “Workin’ Man Blues.” George and Joe performed “Yesterday’s Wine” and “Rockin’ Chair” together. Joe says of George, quote, “George Jones is to country music what oxygen is to life—one simply cannot exist without the other, and I am honored beyond words that I have been given the gift of performing with this man.”

BILLY CURRINGTON WILL SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AT FOOD CITY 500

Billy Currington is scheduled to sing the national anthem prior to the Food City 500 in Bristol, TN on Sunday. Currington is looking forward to the NASCAR event, saying, quote, “I have played in front of thousands of people before, but this is a very different experience that I am looking forward to.” Billy will sing to the sold-out crowd of 160-thousand fans. Food City 500 will take place at the Bristol Motor Speedway.



QUICK BITES

Martina McBride will be on the promotional trail next month as she supports the release of her new album “Waking Up Laughing.” The singer performs on “The Today Show” April 3rd, the day the disc arrives in stores. She’s on “CNN Showbiz” April 4th and ABC’s “The View” April 10th. McBride will make an appearance on “CBS Saturday Morning” May 19th. Look for her also on the Food Network show “Emeril” – on a later date.

Billy Ray Cyrus--in partnership with CMT.com-- has launched a blog – DancingWithBillyRay.com. The site will detail Cyrus’ personal experiences on the hit show with partner Karina Smirnoff. On Monday’s night debut of “Dancing with the Stars,” Billy Ray came in last with 13 out of 30 points. The singer will have another chance Monday night to redeem himself.

Blake Shelton, Aaron Tippin, Lorrie Morgan and Trent Willmon are among the singers that will take part in “Country Goes Huntin’.” Proceeds from Rhett Akins’ annual event will help the tornado victims that passed through Alabama earlier this month. It’s set for April 3rd at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan, AL.

The Wreckers have been tapped to perform after the Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadians game Thursday in Boston.

Dierks Bentley, John Rich, Cowboy Troy, Gretchen Wilson and Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus
will join former Titan Kevin Carter for his sixth annual Waiting for Wishes celebrity waiter’s dinner.

The event – on April 17th at Nashville’s Palm -- benefits his foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee. To reserve tickets, call 615-742-3193.