Big Country Notes for MAY 2

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS CELEBRITIES SHOULD DO GOOD FOR OTHERS

Carrie Underwood’s association with “American Idol” has taken her to great heights in her career. It also allowed her to give back to this earth, something she feels celebrities should do. Carrie filmed a video piece for the “Idol Gives Back” special in Africa. During her two-day tour there she visited and played for schools, orphanages, hospices and health care centers in and around Johannesburg. Carrie says, quote, “Nobody wants to think about children suffering and going hungry and dying from AIDS and things like that.” She adds, quote, “Hopefully we can make their lives better.”
Carrie is making the video available for download at iTunes. All proceeds from downloads will go to raise awareness and funds for organizations that provide relief programs to help children and young people in extreme poverty in America and Africa. Carrie says, quote, “When you hear how much money they [‘American Idol’] have raised you just think how that money can do so much good in places that really need it.”

BIG & RICH FIRST COUNTRY ACT TO HAVE VIDEO EXCLUSIVE ON ITUNES

It should come as no surprise that Big & Rich have another first in their career. The duo is the first country act to premiere an exclusive music video on iTunes. The new video for their hit single “Lost In This Moment” can be purchased and downloaded exclusively at the iTunes store through Tuesday. “Lost in this Moment” is the lead single from the duo’s upcoming album, “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace,” which releases on June 5th. It is a love song, which John Rich says is a little different for them. He explains, quote, “It was a song I wrote with Keith Anderson and Rodney Clawson … it’s a cool song but definitely a different sound than anything Kenny and I have done to date.” The video features framed wedding footage of everyday and celebrity couples. <>
Following the one-week iTunes exclusive, the video will stream exclusively at pepsismash.com/bnr Tuesday through Wednesday. The site also contains exclusive footage of Big & Rich, whose image will be featured on 500 million Pepsi cans this summer.

BILLY CURRINGTON CELEBRATES PLATINUM WITH “DOIN’ SOMETHIN’ RIGHT”

Billy Currington is definitely doing something right. His sophomore album “Doin’ Somethin’ Right” has been certified for sales of one million units. It is his first Recording Industry Association of America Platinum certification. That’s not all the good news for Billy -- the third single, “Good Directions,” from the album is currently in the top five on the country charts. Currington says, quote, “I couldn’t be happier. It feels amazing to know that I have so much support out there with the fans. It seems like the shows just keep getting better and better and I’m having a blast!” While this album continues to sell, Currington is in the studio putting finishing touches on his third album which will be out this fall.

JASON ALDEAN ADDING TO HIS FAMILY

Jason Aldean announced last night that he and his wife Jessica are expecting their second daughter later this year. Jason's daughter Keeley just turned four years old and is excited about having a little sister. Aldean made the announcement in Nashville at a listening party for his new album “Relentless” which releases on May 29th.

BILLY RAY CYRUS WALTZES RIGHT BACK TO “DANCING WITH THE STARS”

Billy Ray Cyrus didn’t exactly waltz into the judges hearts but fans voted him and partner Karina Smirnoff back for another week last night on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” The pair also danced the Samba in Monday night’s competition. Cyrus showed considerable surprise when it was announced that John Ratzenberger and Edyta Sliwinska were voted off this week. That leaves four pairs of dancers to learn two new dances for next Monday night’s show. Cyrus wrote on his blog on CMT.com, quote, “I’m having the time of my life. We made it further than I thought we would and I’m so appreciative to Karina for her patience with me.” The two also revealed that Smirnoff will make an appearance on an upcoming “Hannah Montana” with Cyrus and his daughter, Miley. Billy Ray says, quote, “Karina is a natural born actress and this thing she’s doing on ‘Hannah Montana’ is just a small stepping stone to her acting career.”


TOBY KEITH WILL READ MOVIE MAJOR LEAGUE MOVIE SCRIPT

Toby Keith used to want to be a cowboy. Now he wants to be more of an actor. In fact, Keith told the “Tennessean” that he a big-time major league movie was offered to him. He says, quote, "They are sending it to me, and I'm going to read it. It's a very secret piece. They won't hardly give me any information on it.” While Toby had to give his word he wouldn’t talk about the movie, he did say the movie would be directed by, quote, “… a monster director, major-league producer. It’s a big high-profile piece that is going to be very talked about. The people they told me they're getting in it would make this movie an automatic must-see whether it's good or not.” Keith just finished turning in a treatment for his movie “Beer for my Horses.” It will be the big screen version of his video with Willie Nelson for the song by the same title.

CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON FINISHES COUNTRY MUSIC ½ MARATHON

Sunday was a good day for Carolyn Dawn Johnson. She finished her third ½ Marathon. The singer was running beside a friend who came into Nashville to run in the Annual Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon. Johnson says, quote, “This race was her first ½ marathon. I wanted to be there for her and encourage her to keep going. It was such a great day.” Carolyn’s official time was 2:28:04, or about 11:18 minutes a mile. While celebrating the race, Johnson is also celebrating her new single, “Got A Good Day” from her forthcoming summer release “Love & Negotiation.”

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC ANNOUNCES PRE-SHOW WINNERS

The Academy of Country Music announced the winners of awards that will be presented before the live telecast of the 42nd annual Academy Of Country Music awards on May 15th. Musicians of the Year are Glenn Worf, Bass; Eddie Bayers, Drums; Aubrey Haynie, Fiddle; Brent Mason, Guitar; John Hobbs, Piano/Keyboards; Stuart Duncan, Specialty Instrument (mandolin); Michael Johnson, Steel Guitar.
Producer of the Year is Dann Huff, who has worked with the likes of Faith Hill, Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts.
The Venue of the Year is the Grand Ole Opry house in Nashville and Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California is Nightclub of the Year. The show will air May 15th on CBS at 8 p.m. Eastern.


QUICK BITES

Keith Urban returns to Europe -- Germany, UK and Scotland -- in the Fall for another leg of his “Love, Pain and the whole crazy World” tour. At that time he will make up the date he had to cancel in Manchester, England when he lost his voice.

Big & Rich's John Rich, Pam Tillis, and Eric Church are among the artists who will be on hand for Marty Stuart’s late night jam during the CMA Music Festival. Other on the bill – Charley Pride, Porter Wagoner, rocker Neko Case and Ashley Monroe.

Trent Willmon hosts CMT’s “America’s Top Cowboy” beginning May 19th. Six contestants will compete in various areas including livestock roundups, horseback shooting contests, bronc busting and a cowboy triathlon. Willmon says, quote, “The last cowboy standing will also possess the fearless spirit of the American Cowboy and a heart as big as Texas.”

Willie Nelson will hold his Fourth of July picnic in George, Washington this year. Among those already scheduled to perform are Old 97s, Southern rockers Drive-By Truckers and singer-songwriter Amos Lee. It’s the first time the picnic has been held outside of Texas since Nelson held the first one in Dripping Springs, Texas in 1973.

Porter Wagoner recently shot a music video for “Committed to Park View,” a Johnny Cash composition he recorded for his new album “Wagonmaster.” Filming took place at the Tennessee State Penitentiary which no longer houses prisoners.