Big Country Notes for MAY 23

CARRIE UNDERWOOD WILL BE ON FINALE OF “AMERICAN IDOL” TONIGHT

Carrie Underwood, the 2005 “American Idol” winner, will perform on tonight's season finale. Carrie is a huge success story for the show. Her debut album “Some Hearts” was just declared six-times Platinum. Carrie says, quote, “It’s great they’ll let me come back and be a part of someone else’s wonderful night.” Although the singer says she tries to keep up with the show she doesn’t have a prediction as to who will be the 2007 winner, Jordin Sparks or Blake Lewis. Underwood says, quote, “It’s anybody’s game. I have no clue what will happen.”

Walter Scott, who writes “Personality Parade” in the Sunday newspaper supplement “Parade,” was asked to rate past “American Idols.” He put Carrie in the number one spot followed by Kelly Clarkson. In third place is Fantasia Barrino, then Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks.

KELLIE PICKLER'S DAD ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING CARS

As "American Idol" gears up for its season six finale, a past finalist is dealing with an embarrassing family situation. According to TMZ.com, Kellie Pickler's father was arrested recently in North Carolina. Clyde "Bo" Pickler has been accused of stealing beat-up cars in order to sell them at salvage yards. He is currently in jail in lieu of 26-thousand-dollars bond. Clyde was released from a Florida prison last May after serving three years for stabbing a neighbor. Kellie finished in sixth place on last year's installment of "American Idol." (Metro Source)

ARTISTS ANNOUNCE AUTOGRAPH SIGNING IN CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL BOOTHS

June is the time of the year in Nashville when fans line up for autographs. Already scheduling booth time at the CMA Music Festival are Gretchen Wilson, Rodney Atkins, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Turner and Big & Rich. Gretchen says, quote, “If I were a fan I would think the CMA festival would be a must thing I had to attend. It would be my vacation every year.” Other artists who may have writer’s cramp during the festival include Carrie Underwood, Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson, John Anderson, Cowboy Troy, Emerson Drive, Steve Holy, Jack Ingram, Jason Michael Carroll, Craig Morgan, Jamie O'Neal, Ricky Skaggs, Taylor Swift, Trent Tomlinson and Tanya Tucker. Fans can find the artists in the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall in the Nashville Convention Center. The CMA Music Festival takes place June 7th-10th.

JASON ALDEAN SAYS HIT SINGLE “JOHNNY CASH” IS ABOUT OUTLAW ATTITUDE

Jason Aldean says his hit single “Johnny Cash” is all about the outlaw attitude. Jason says, quote, “It’s a fun song for us to play live and it’s one of those songs that when people hear it they want to crank it up and go 90 down the interstate.” The song is written by John Rich of Big & Rich. Jason says it would have been on his first disc if they could have recorded it then. He says, quote, “When it came open and we could record it for the second album it was a no-brainer. We knew we wanted to cut it and have it as the lead single from the project.” Aldean’s new disc “Relentless” will be in stores Tuesday.

STEVE AZAR HOSTS BENEFIT SHOW FOR ST. CECILIA FOUNDATION

Steve Azar will host the "Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation Benefit & Jam" on June 7th in Nashville. Not only will there be great music, fans will enjoy good food and drinks. Steve promises a few surprise guests. Azar says, quote, “We’re going to make some great music, have some fun and hopefully, help a lot of children who really need it." There will also be a silent auction where fans can bid on memorabilia from Azar and celebrity sports athletes and a VIP package that includes four days of skiing during the 2008 American Ski Classic in Vail, Colorado. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation. Azar and his wife, Gwen, founded it in 2006 to provide aid to disadvantaged, sick and abused children in the Delta and Nashville areas. For information on how to purchase tickets or make donations, visit: www.steveazar.com.

PHIL VASSAR’S NEW SINGLE A TIMELY COMMENT ON SOCIETY

Despite the title, Phil Vassar’s new single is not really about “Another Day in Paradise.” In it, Vassar addresses some of the things that Americans face these days. Phil says, quote, "Gas prices are out of control, our schools aren't safe and there are no in-betweens any more. It's really getting worse every day, and there are a lot of people out there that feel the way I do." Phil co-wrote the song with Tom Douglas. The two discuss the plight of middle class America and deliver a message of unity and determination, no matter what side of the political fence people find themselves on. Vassar sings in the chorus, quote, “It’s time to speak my mind.” It’s something he feels strongly about and the song is already getting great reaction from fans.

ERIC CHURCH FANS GET TO BE FIRST TO SHARE HIS TREE PLANTING MISSION

It’s not exactly the same as Johnny Appleseed, but Eric Church has a mission to plant trees. Church fans will have the opportunity to be on his first mission on June 8th during his fan club party in Nashville. Church invites members of his fan club, the Church Choir, to help plant 25 trees in Music City’s East Park as part of his mission of participating in a hands-on contribution to the growth and beautification of urban greenways and parks. Eric says, quote, "Well, I come from a small town out in the country and I am interested in bringing a little of that to every city in America - but I also wanted this to be something representative of our music.” He adds, quote, “Those trees will be there long after we are and I believe our songs will be as well." After the trees are planted Eric will perform an acoustic set. Church plans for this to be the first of many “Tree Choir” events that will take place across the country.

LeANN RIMES ADDED TO FREEDOM CONCERTS DATE

LeAnn Rimes has been added to the August 9th “Sean Hannity presents Freedom Concerts” date. She'll join Montgomery Gentry and Lee Greenwood for the show in Cincinnati, Ohio. Troy Gentry of Montgomery says, quote, “Eddie and I are excited about these shows. Every year we tour and invite military friends to the shows, and now we get to help raise college money for the kids of those military parents.” Duet partner Eddie Montgomery adds, quote, “This is so cool. T-Roy and I love the military. These shows are not about red or blue or right or left, they are about helping those families that are in our military. I hope everyone will join us in this effort.” Concerts will be staged around the country so everyone can support and help raise money for the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund for the Children of America’s Fallen Heroes.
The schedule of shows follows:
July 10th – The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Atlanta, Georgia
July 26th – Coors Amphitheater in San Diego, California
August 9th – Kings Island in Cincinnati, Ohio
August 14th – Nokia Center in Dallas, Texas
September 11th – Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey

SUGARLAND NEEDS FAN PARTICIPATION FOR VIDEO

CMT and Sugarland are asking fans to be the video star as part of the “Everyday America Video Contest.” Hosted exclusively at CMT.com, the user-generated contest asks fans to showcase their personal interpretation of Sugarland’s new single, “Everyday America.” The fan-created music video will premiere on “CMT Top 20 Countdown” later this summer, and Sugarland will feature the winning entry onscreen at their summer concert series. Submissions will also be featured on CMT Loaded, the network’s broadband channel. Video entries for the contest are due to CMT on Saturday, June 16th. For more information and complete entry rules, visit CMT.com.

QUICK BITES

Dierks Bentley will kickoff the "Superstars of the Bluebird" week on June 4th to celebrate the club’s 25th anniversary. For a full schedule of Bluebird Café events, visit www.bluebirdcafe.com.
Steve Earle, Jeffrey Steele, Billy Joe Shaver and Bob Dylan are among the artists appearing at the Austin City Limits Music Festival set for Sept. 14th-16th in Austin, Texas. Other country and bluegrass-oriented acts performing include Asleep at the Wheel, Robert Earl Keene, Lucinda Williams, the Del McCoury Band and Cross Canadian Ragweed.

Heidi Newfield will take part in the­­11th Annual Ultimate Country Classic “This Ain’t Your Grand-Daddy’s Golf Outing!” on June 25th. The event will benefit the Middle Tennessee Branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Other bands on hand include newcomers Cole Deggs and The Lonesome as well as the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders and Tennessee Titan pro football player Daniel Loper.