Big Country Notes for OCT 1

SARA EVANS DIVORCE FINALIZED

Sara Evans is now officially a divorcée. According to the Nashville newspaper "The Tennessean," a judge has granted the country singer a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. Evans filed to formally end her marriage to Craig Schelske on October 12th last year, claiming adultery on the part of her husband. He denied the charges, then later filed documents asking her to provide details of any relationships she may have had during their marriage. Attorneys for the two sides say their clients will not comment further on any allegations of misconduct that were brought forth prior to the divorce. Evans and Schelske have also worked out a custody agreement for their three children, and have split marital assets. Additionally, Evans will pay Schelske alimony of at least 500-thousand-dollars over a ten-year time frame. Each requests that the family's privacy be respected during this time.
Evans is currently putting together a best-of collection. The project boasts four new songs, including her latest single “As If.” Evans' “Greatest Hits” will be in stores on October 9th.

JOSH TURNER INVITED TO JOIN GRAND OLE OPRY

Josh Turner's becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The invite came as a big surprise for the singer. During Saturday night's show Josh thought he was there to honor Roy Clark. But after he presented the country legend with a plaque commemorating the performer’s 20 years as a Grand Ole Opry member, Clark turned the tables and asked Turner to become an Opry member. A stunned Turner took a moment, then replied, quote, “I made my Opry debut back in 2001. I never knew this could happen so early. And if this is an invitation, I say yes!” Josh has been embraced by the Opry crowd from the start. During his first performance he received a standing ovation for his song “Long Black Train,” and another one after he encored. Opry superstar Vince Gill will officially bring Turner into the Opry family on October 27th.

DIERKS BENTLEY'S BENEFIT EVENT DRAWS HUGE CROWD

Dierks Bentley is likely happy with the turnout for his second “Miles & Music For Kids” benefit. More than 15-hundred motorcycles lined up at Cool Springs Harley Davidson to join the singer for the start of the charity event. For the fundraiser Bentley rode a Harley sporting music notes and images of the Grand Ole Opry. Keith Anderson, Little Big Town's Philip Sweet, and Trick Pony's Ira Dean are among the country stars who also took part in the ride. Afterward, they met up with a number of other performers, including Craig Morgan, Big & Rich's Big Kenny Alphin, Marty Stuart, Wade Hayes, and Buddy Jewell, for an informal jam at Nashville's Loveless Café.

KELLIE PICKER REFLECTS ON HOW MEN THINK ON NEW SINGLE

Kellie Pickler is dabbling in psychology with her new single. She says the stuff women tend to worry about when they're with a man are things guys would never consider. The singer uses an example from her own life to illustrate her point. Being a shoe freak, Kellie notes that while on a date she'll wonder if her footwear is matching her outfit. But she admits that while it's so important to her, it's something, quote, “that would never cross a man’s mind.” “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind” is the third single from Pickler's debut album, “Small Town Girl.”

BRAD PAISLEY COULD HAVE LIVED OUT ONE OF HIS HITS

Brad Paisley admits that he could have been the guy he sings about in “Online,” if he had discovered computers earlier. The singer notes that he didn’t discover computers until he was in college. But he says if he had a computer and Internet access when he was in high school, his story might be different. These days Brad is quite computer savvy. He uses the machines to create all kinds of animation and graphics to project on the big screens at his concerts. Fans in the Midwest will be the next to get the chance to view some of his work. Paisley will be performing in Detroit on Thursday and in Cincinnati on Friday.

BROOKS & DUNN SHARE THEIR DEFINITION OF A COWBOY

Brooks & Dunn's Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn say they've been around cowboys most of their lives. Brooks grew up in Louisiana, while Dunn's from Oklahoma, and they note that especially during their early years as performers, when they were still playing bars and doing cover songs, they played for cowboy crowds. The duo say their new album, “Cowboy Town,” is a compilation of the different definitions people attach to a cowboy. According to Kix, being a cowboy has to do with one's attitude, while Ronnie adds that it’s also about being a rebel. They both agree fans won’t have to be the kind of cowboy that rides the range to like the album. “Cowboy Town” is due in stores tomorrow.

MARTINA MCBRIDE'S SECRET TO ROMANCE
Martina McBride has a simple secret to keeping the romance in her marriage -- companionship. The singer tells “Reader’s Digest” that she and her husband John truly enjoy each other's company, and love spending time with one another. She adds that while they are different in many ways, they have the same values. She also notes that John really knows how to touch her heart. Martina explains that for occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, instead of giving her a gift he writes letters to her. But McBride advises be ready to go with the flow and laugh at things when they happen. The story on Martina is in this month’s “Reader’s Digest.”
McBride is re-releasing her holiday album “White Christmas.” The revamped project has four new songs -- "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells,” and "Baby It's Cold Outside." "Baby It's Cold Outside" is McBride's duet with the late Dean Martin, which Martina recorded for the reissue of Martin's holiday album last year.

QUICK BITES

Lee Ann Womack has been busy lately. She is a guest vocalist on both the new Joe Nichols album “Real Things” and the Gene Watson disc, “In A Perfect World.”

Gretchen Wilson's website has won a Web Marketing Association award, one of the top honors in web awards. The site received the Standards of Excellence in Music Award, which is presented to only 20-to-30 sites out of thousands of applicants.

Miranda Lambert is featured in the October issue of “Texas Monthly.” The article calls her "Merle Haggard With Lip Gloss." The issue is on newsstands now.