Big Country Notes For Feb 16

KENNY CHESNEY TALKS ABOUT ANNULMENT ON SUNDAY’S “60 MINUTES”

After a four-month marriage to Renee Zellweger in 2005, Kenny Chesney and the actress had their nuptials annulled. Kenny discusses that annulment for the first time on CBS’s “60 Minutes” this Sunday. The couple decided to use the generic word “fraud” as a reason for the divorce, something Chesney now tells correspondent Anderson Cooper was a bad choice. He says, quote, “The only fraud that was committed was me thinking that I knew what it was like… to be married, and I really didn't.” The singer adds he and Renee thought that fraud was a non-specific kind of word, but it led to rumors that Chesney was gay. Kenny says, quote, “It’s not true. Period.” He says among the reasons he didn’t deny them at the time were, quote, “… I didn’t want to draw any more attention to it….I didn’t have to prove to anybody that I wasn’t [gay]…” Chesney tells Cooper he has no regrets and that, quote, “I loved her, you know? And it was real.” Chesney and Cooper talk about the singer’s music, his small town upbringing and the secret way the performer is delivered to the stage for his concerts. Chesney’s “60 Minute” profile will air this Sunday at 7 p.m. Eastern on CBS.

REBA McENTIRE’S SITCOM “REBA” AIRS LAST TWO EPISODES SUNDAY

Sunday will see the final curtain on new episodes of Reba McEntire’s sitcom “Reba.” The CW network has cancelled the show despite its ratings in hopes of introducing programming that will draw a more urban audience to the network. Not having to tape new episodes of the show doesn’t mean that Reba will have extra time on her hands. One of the first things she will do is return as the emcee for the 13th annual Celebrity Fight Night on March 24th in Phoenix, AZ. Diana Ross and Michael Buble will perform for the event, which acknowledges leaders in the sports, entertainment and business communities who best represent the qualities associated with Muhammad Ali and his fight to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Honorees will be actress Sharon Stone, businessman Donald Trump, Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash and Denver Bronco’s quarterback John Elway. Proceeds from the benefit support the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix as well as several other charities.
· Reba’s spring tour begins with the Country Thunder Festival in Florence, AZ on April13th, followed by dates in Primm, NV on April 14th and Indio, CA on April 15th. She is also scheduled to play the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in Texas on March 1st.
· According to the “Tennessean,” Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake dropped by the studio in Los Angeles where Reba was recording with LeAnn Rimes to pitch her songs for the project. Producer Tony Brown told the newspaper, quote, “Pharrell heard about the project and he wrote two or three things he wanted her to hear. Justin wrote a song for her to sing with him on the album and she loved it.” Reba has been recording duets this week with Rimes, Don Henley and Carole King.

FAITH HILL AND TIM McGRAW TO TAKE PART IN LIVE EARTH CONCERTS

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw will be among the more than 100 performers who'll perform at a series of worldwide concerts to bring attention to the threat of climate change. The “Live Earth” concerts will be held July 7th as part of “Save Our Selves – The Campaign for a Climate in Crisis,” which was announced by former Vice President Al Gore in Los Angeles Wednesday. The concert schedule will span all seven continents with events to take place in Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Sydney, Australia and London, England. Other concert cities will be announced soon. Among the artists who will perform on the 24-hour event are The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, Bon Jovi, the Foo Fighters, Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Duran Duran, Korn, Pharrell and the Black Eyed Peas.

ALAN JACKSON SUPPORTS HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR IN CLASS PROJECT

Morgan Swann got some unexpected support from singer Alan Jackson recently. Swann is a senior at Davidson Academy in Nashville. For her class project she decided to save pennies to donate to helping the 12 million children affected by AIDS in Africa. She set a goal of collecting one penny for every child whose parent died of the disease. She has received support from family and friends and more recently, from Jackson. Swann, who plays post for the Davidson Academy Lady Bears basketball team, met Jackson at one of her basketball games. He told her he thought her project was a great idea and he would save pennies for her. Jackson’s wife, Denise, immediately dug into her purse to offer up the pennies she found. At last count, Swann has been averaging seven-thousand pennies a day for her project.

LeANN RIMES ATTENDS ANTHONY NAK JEWELRY PREVIEW

LeAnn Rimes loves fashion so it’s no surprise she spent part of her Valentine’s day at the Anthony Nak Jewelry Preview in Los Angeles. The preview gives celebrities first choice on the designer’s new line of jewelry. According to “Instyle.com” Rimes “sparkled” in a cream Dolce {dol-chay] & Gabbana [ga-banna] dress and matching rhinestone-studded heels. About her shoes, She told “InStyle,” quote, “I don’t think I wear anything else. They’re just so sexy.” After looking over the jewelry collection, LeAnn admitted, quote, “I’m eyeing a pair of pink and black earrings. They’ve kind of got that good and bad girl thing going on.” Among the guests were actresses Rosario Dawson, Angie Harmon, Lori Loughlin and Natasha Henstridge. The preview was a benefit for Good Beginnings, an organization that raises funds for the neonatal intensive care unit at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

MIRANDA LAMBERT SUCUMBS TO LOVE IN THE FORM OF A FURRY FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND

Miranda Lambert found a new friend a couple weeks ago while visiting the Smith County Humane Society in Texas to drop off a donation. When the singer goes by the facility she tries to find time to play with the animals while she’s there. Miranda says, quote, “I walked in the back getting ready to walk a few of the dogs and then it happened… [there was] A little white dog curled up in the corner of her cage. All the dogs were barking and whining and jumping up on their cages except this one.” Of course Lambert asked if she could play with her and it was instant love for both of them. Miranda named her Delilah and, quote, “She has changed my life. Literally. I was feeling a little down lately just getting used to being gone again and she is just what I needed.” Lambert has been on tour with Toby Keith and will join Dierks Bentley’s “Locked and Loaded” tour next Thursday in Lincoln, NB. The singer says, quote, “I can’t wait to start up with Dierks again this month. We’ll also be joined by one of my best buddies in the business, Jason Aldean on a couple of runs. I am excited to get to know Eric Church who will be with us on several dates too.”

QUICK BITES

· Catch Martina McBride on the "Today Show" and "Conan" on April 3rd and on "CNN Showbiz" on April 4th.

· Keith Urban will perform a three-song set today on the "Today Show" from New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

· George Strait just wracked up his 54th number one single with “It Just Comes Natural,” which is also the title track to his latest album.

· Gretchen Wilson has been added to the ASCAP-sponsored KCRS Live during Country Radio Seminar on February 28th in Nashville.

· The “Tennessean” reports that Martina McBride called Keith Urban into the studio less than two weeks after his release from the Betty Ford Clinic in Los Angeles to play and sing on a song for her new album “Wake Up Laughing.” McBride says, quote, “I saved this song for him. His was the only voice for it."

· Detroit was bitterly cold when Eric Church paid the city a visit this past weekend but he found a warm reception from fans at the Motor City’s Winter Blast festival. Church also paid a surprise visit to Detroit’s Coyote Joe’s, where he played five songs and signed autographs for a packed house.

· “Country Weekly” will award one reader four tickets to a Little Big Town concert of their choosing. All entries have to be made by February 22nd. Check out the site at http://www.countryweekly.com/sweeps/enter/278.

· Andy Griggs' will host his sixth annual "Andy Griggs Celebrity Archery Tournament" in the Chevy Sports Zone at this year's CMA Festival in June.

· Brad Paisley and Charlie Daniels will have to find a new place to play in Nashville this year. They were both schedule to play at the city’s Starwood Amphitheatre, which has announced that it is closing.

· On the Grand Ole Opry this weekend: Sammy Kershaw, Lorrie Morgan, Brad Paisley, Jimmy Dickens, Jim Ed Brown and others.

Big Country Notes for Feb 14

FAITH HILL & TIM McGRAW'S HOLLYWOOD HILLS HOME ROBBED

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's home was reportedly robbed over the weekend. Police in Hollywood Hills, CA tell TMZ.com that burglars broke into the pair's house by smashing a window. No one was home at the time. The only thing reported missing is a small amount of money. The gated community Hill and McGraw live in is also home to Oscar-nominee Eddie Murphy and rocker Rod Stewart. Hill and McGraw recently announced plans to re-launch their "Soul2Soul" concert tour this summer. Their 2006 trek won "Pollstar" magazine's Concert Industry Awards "Major Tour of the Year" trophy last week. (Metro Source)

JENNIFER NETTLES OF SUGARLAND REACTS TO GRAMMY WIN

It’s not every day a girl gets her first GRAMMY. Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland says she’s lucky. She took home the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for her duet with rockers Bon Jovi for their rendition of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” It was also Bon Jovi’s first GRAMMY award. Jennifer, who attended the awards show, says, quote, “I do what I love for a living and everyday I wake up thankful for it. To be honored with a GRAMMY is a dream for any musician.” Nettles adds, quote, “Who would have thought that a little girl from Douglas, Georgia, would one day receive a GRAMMY for country collaboration with a rock band?! Truth is vastly more exciting than fiction!” The band is doing great with its sophomore record, “Enjoy The Ride,” which has already reached Platinum status for sales exceeding one million units.

BIG & RICH WORKING ON NEW ALBUM

John Rich and Big Kenny of Big & Rich might come across as fun loving guys but they are very serious about their music. From their early days in Nashville as struggling songwriters to their masterminding the MuzikMafia, the two have built a career based on what they call “Music without prejudice.” The two say their new album, due out June 5th, is something they are really proud of. They say, quote, “We think it’s possibly the best work of our careers, and we can’t wait for our fans to get their hands on it.” The duo adds, quote, “2007 is going to be a great year for Big & Rich.” The pair are also releasing their first book, “Big & Rich: All Access” on the same day as the album. Before that, fans can catch them with John Anderson on the March 17 edition of CMT’s “Cross Country.”

CLINT BLACK AND WIFE LISA HARTMAN BLACK ON “DR. PHIL” TODAY

Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black will be on “Dr. Phil’s” Valentine’s Day show today. They won’t be sharing their secrets for marital bliss, just performing their duet “When I Said I Do” from his new album “The Love Songs.” Clint says, quote, “We did his show once before where we talked about our secrets. This time we’re just going to sing.” Clint told WKRN’s Brad Schmidt that the most romantic thing he did for Lisa was almost a disaster. It seems that Mrs. Black loves snow and living in the southeast doesn’t allow her to see it very much. Clint decided to rent a snowmaker and surprise her. He took Lisa to dinner and when they turned the corner on the way home, the yard is covered in snow. It was a great idea but Clint says, quote, “It killed every plant in the yard. Everything died…but it was worth it.”

LEE ANN WOMACK SAYS VALENTINE’S DAY A GREAT EXCUSE TO CELEBRATE

Lee Ann Womack is one of those moms who love to celebrate different occasions. She says Valentine’s Day gives her a great excuse to put out decorations and plan something special for her husband, Frank, and their daughters, Aubrie and Anna. She says, quote, “I’ll put up some decorations and we’ll have a fun dinner. I’ve already ordered the girls’ presents so it’s just another way to make a day special.” Lee Ann says her husband is great about special occasions and that, quote, “I don’t have to let him know. He has to remind me of things like our anniversary.”

MIRANDA LAMBERT HOPES BOYFRIEND WILL BE CREATIVE ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Miranda Lambert says she has not made plans for Valentine’s Day. She says she hopes her boyfriend, singer Blake Shelton, will make plans for the two of them on his own. Miranda says, quote, “He better … or his crazy current girlfriend might show up!” She says, quote, “I don’t want to make suggestions because I hope he’s creative enough to think of something for us to do on his own.” She adds, quote, “It’s probably not gonna happen though.”

TAYLOR SWIFT SAYS SHE’S GETTING AN EARLY VALENTINE’S DAY PRESENT

Taylor Swift says that this year her Valentine’s present will happen the night before. She says, quote, “My Valentines Day present will be singing my song "Tim McGraw" on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ the night before. And to me, that is so much better than roses!” The singer explains that she’s usually sitting at home while her friends are out with their boyfriends. She says, quote, “It’s not a big deal. That's when I give myself the ‘you're better off alone’ pep talk. [It] Works every time!”

COUNTRY CELEBRITIES PLAY THEIR GAMES ON WHEEL OF FORTUNE TODAY

When “Wheel of Fortune” airs today, Wynonna Judd will be doing something she loves to do. The singer told the Ashland, KY, “Daily Independent,” quote, “Our family plays games a lot. Sometimes I’ll have games shipped to me when I’m on the road.” Wynonna, who says she is very competitive, loved being the only girl on the show. She played against Lonestar’s Richie McDonald and Josh Gracin. Wynonna will donate her winnings to Hope’s Place, a shelter for abused children in Ashland, which is her hometown. She says, quote, “I remember when my mom didn’t have health insurance — any kind of insurance — and we lived on welfare. The blessing of what I do now is that I’m in a position that allows me to go a step further in giving back.” Each celebrity gets at least 10-thousand dollars for his or her favorite charity. Richie is playing for AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort and Gracin will spin the wheel for the National Guard Youth Challenge.
Trisha Yearwood held a “Wheel of Fortune” watch party in Owasso, OK Monday night with proceeds benefiting Penny Clark’s New Hope Animal Rescue. That’s the same organization that will receive the money she won on the game show. Yearwood said she heard about the organization through her vet. According to the “Tulsa World,” Trisha drew about 450 fans and friends to the evening’s festivities at 25-dollars a ticket.

DIXIE CHICKS, EMERSON DRIVE, CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON AMONG JUNO
NOMINEES

The Dixie Chicks have a chance to be recognized north of the border, as the trio is among the nominees for the 2007 Juno Awards. The group, who was the big winner at Sunday's Grammy Awards, is in the running for International Album of the Year with "Taking the Long Way." The disc is up against Madonna's "Confessions on a Dance Floor," Justin Timberlake's "FutureSex/LoveSounds," the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Stadium Arcadium," and Il Divo's "Ancora." Emerson Drive, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, and George Canyon are also contenders for the upcoming event. Emerson Drive's "Countrified," Johnson's "Love & Negotiation," and Canyon's "Somebody Wrote Love" are all vying for Country Recording of the Year. In addition, Gordie Sampson has a bid for Songwriter of the Year. His collaborations have produced Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel," for which he just won a Grammy, Trace Adkins' "Words Get in the Way," and Johnson's "Crybaby." The annual Juno Awards are the Canadian equivalent to the Grammys. This year's ceremony will take place in Sakatoon, Saskatchewan on April 1st. (Metro Source)

QUICK BITES

Carrie Underwood and LeAnn Rimes are among the artists listed by People.com as the best dressed at Sunday night's Grammy Awards.

Phil Vassar returns to the studio this winter to record a new album of original material that will be released in 2007.

Former Mavericks frontman Raul Malo performs today on "Imus in the Morning."

Danielle Peck says her music and career are at the top of the list right now so love is taking a back seat. On Valentine’s Day she will be in Virginia Beach, VA, performing for a mass wedding of 50 couples. Peck says, quote, “No bells will be ringing for me!”

Eric Church decided to leave the cold weather of Nashville behind to film his new video “Guys Like Me” in Los Angeles. The clip should debut in the next few weeks.

Big Country Notes for Feb 13

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS SHE’S WRITING SONGS FOR NEW ALBUM

Carrie Underwood says she’s writing songs for her new album, but doesn’t know if she’ll be very good at it. Carrie says, quote, “It’s definitely something I would like to develop. Even if I don’t contribute that much my writing partners will learn a little bit more about me so they can write songs that are better suited to me.” Among the folks Carrie has been writing with are Hillary Lindsey, Brett James, Steve McEuen and Rivers Rutherford. Underwood says she has sat down with the writers with a blank slate. She says, quote, “I think it’s bet to work that way and just see what happens. It’s not like I feel the need to write about something specific.” Carrie adds, quote, “I’ve never done this before so I’ll just see where it takes me.”

TIM McGRAW, FAITH HILL TAKE MAJOR TOUR OF THE YEAR FROM POLLSTAR

There wasn’t much soul-searching going on when “Pollstar” gave Tim McGraw and Faith Hill the "Major Tour Of the Year award" last Thursday night. The award went to the couple’s “Soul2Soul II” tour during the magazine’s 18th annual “Pollstar” Concert Industry Awards. Garth Brooks is the only other country artist to win that award – he received it in 1991 and 1993. McGraw and Hill have a chance to match Brooks’ record of two years in a row. They head out on this year’s “Soul2Soul 2007” concert tour, which is scheduled to begin in June.

KEITH URBAN BRINGS IN 50 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR HOSPITAL

Keith Urban’s first U.S. concert since his stay at the Betty Ford Clinic in Los Angeles was a huge success. Urban’s show brought in 50-thousand dollars for St. Jude Children’s Hospital when he performed to a sold-out house in Chicago last Thursday. The singer also donated all proceeds from his merchandise sales to St. Jude. The audience was an enthusiastic one, even when Urban forgot the words to one of his hits, “Making Memories of Us.” CMT.com reports that in the middle of the song, Urban encouraged the audience to sing along, but they forgot the words. At that point, the singer had to admit that he too had forgotten the words. Urban told the crowd, quote, "Time for honesty. I was trying to get you to sing on the bit I forgot. Pathetic, isn't it?" CMT.com reports that the crowd cheered him on throughout the 90-minute performance. Urban alternated between playing with his band and doing acoustic numbers throughout the evening.
More dates have been added to Keith’s website. He plays Des Moines, IA on July 29th, Wilkes Barre, PA on August 14th, East Rutherford, NJ on August 15th, Spokane, WA on September 13th and Seattle, WA on September 15th.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY AND LONESTAR REPRESENTED ON TONIGHT’S “WHEEL OF FORTUNE”

Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry and Dean Sams of Lonestar, along with Julie Roberts, are the artists representing country music tonight on “Wheel of Fortune.” The game show is dedicating this week to country artists who are playing for their favorite charities, paired with regular “Wheel of Fortune” players. Troy says, quote, “At home when you’re playing along with the television there’s no pressure … but there’s major stress when you’re there in person.” His singing partner, Eddie Montgomery, agrees, saying, quote, “I was nervous. I remember solving those puzzles real quick and easy at home but when you’re up there it’s really different.” The two also noted that the people who come to be on the game are serious players and host Pat Sajek and Vanna White were very nice. Troy and Eddie are both playing for the Country Music Association’s “Keep the Music Playing” and Roberts will donate her winnings to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

THE WRECKERS FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THEY’LL DO MAJOR TOUR THIS YEAR

Jessica Harp and Michelle Branch of The Wreckers say that they once sat at home and hoped that one day they would be a part of the Nashville music scene. Now the duo has a hit album and has been asked to go out on the road with Keith Urban on his “Love, Pain and the whole crazy World” tour. Jessica says, quote, “It all feels really surreal to me at this point.” Michelle agrees, saying, quote, “There was a point in both our lives where we just were sitting in a lawn seat at a concert just enamored with the whole thing.” She adds, quote, “I think the most exciting thing about being on these tours is we’re playing arenas and stadiums and places we one day hoped we would play.” The girls say it feels good to have been invited to be a part of Urban’s tour. Michelle says, quote, “It’s a great way for us to have the opportunity to really see how these established artists do their show every night and how it all works. It’s really inspiring.”


VINCE GILL STARTS SPRING LEG OF HIS “THESE DAYS” TOUR

If he had his own private golf course, Vince Gill could place a GRAMMY at every hole. The singer won his 18th GRAMMY award Sunday night for “Best Male Country Vocal Performance” for “The Reason Why” but he wasn’t in Los Angeles to pick it up personally. He chose to stay in Nashville to be with his family before heading out on a five-week spring tour. Gill says, quote, “I don’t think that I’ve ever missed a Grammy show—I was torn about that. I’m regretful that I couldn’t be there to receive the Grammy but thankful that I got to spend one more night at home with my family.” The trek takes him into mid-America and up and down the East Coast. Gill and his 15-piece road band resume his “These Days” tour tonight in Champaign, IL.


KELLIE PICKLER SAYS HER FANS ARE TURNING INTO HER FRIENDS

Kellie Pickler says “American Idol” helped her come into country music with a fan following. She says, quote, “There are people who know my name who watched me on the show, so I didn’t have to start out without anyone knowing me.” Kellie says she doesn’t like to call the folks who follow her career fans. The singer says, quote, “I like supporters better because they have been so supportive of me and everything I do. They come to all the shows -- it’s amazing.” She says she has all kinds of people who attend her shows, from toddlers to people in their 90’s. She says, quote, “I don’t want to be one dimensional – I want to touch everybody.”

Kellie’s father is back behind bars. Sony BMG’s Wes Vause has told UsMagazine.com that Kellie is aware of the situation. Clyde Pickler was released from a Florida prison last year after spending three years there for stabbing a neighbor. He is now in a Stanley County, NC jail facing multiple charges. They include assault on a female, communicating threats and assault with a deadly weapon. Clyde Pickler is being held on a 20-thousand-dollar bond. (Metro Source)

QUICK BITES

Taylor Swift will be on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” tonight.

“Rolling Stone” magazine reports that Willie Nelson is collaborating with Mariah Carey on a song and film combo. No word on what the project is.

Trent Tomlinson has launched his first fan club with a new website. Trent’s fans can join “T-Town” online fanclub for exclusive behind-the-scenes video and pictures plus special contests. Fan club members will also have access to ticket pre-sales and the opportunity to score meet-and-greet passes to Tomlinson’s concert dates. Visit the newly styled website at www.trenttomlinson.com.

Randy Travis is in the studio with producer Kyle Lehning working on his upcoming country album.

Watch for Cowboy Troy to perform his new single “Buffalo Stampede” on Thursday night’s “Nashville Star” on USA. John Rich of Big & Rich will back him on the song.

Big & Rich will perform the National Anthem for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Fox February 18th from the Daytona International Speedway. Big Kenny is adamant that friend and fellow Chevy driver Sterling Marlin will win.

Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence and Pam Tillis will perform at the South by Southwest Music Conference March 14th-18th in Austin, TX.

Big Country Notes for Feb 12

CARRIE UNDERWOOD NAMED GRAMMY “NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR”

Carrie Underwood made history last night at the 49th annual GRAMMY Awards when she became the first “American Idol” winner to take home the all-genre “New Artist of the Year” award. In accepting the award, the singer said, quote, “This is absolutely unbelievable. Thank you, Simon Fuller, who created the show ‘American Idol’ which got me here." Underwood also received the nod for “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” and songwriters Brett James, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson took home “Best Country Song” for Underwood’s song “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
The Dixie Chicks racked up numerous awards in country and several all-genre categories. They won for “Best Country Vocal Performance/Duo or Group for “Not Ready To Make Nice” and Best Country Album for “Taking the Long Way Home.” The Chicks also took home the all-genre awards for “Song of the Year” for “Not Ready To Make Nice” as well as “Album of the Year” and “Record of the Year” for “Taking the Long Way Home.”
Vince Gill took home honors for “Best Male Country Vocal Performance” for “The Reason Why.”
Best Country Collaboration with Vocals went to Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Bon Jovi for “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
Randy Travis’ “Glory Train” was named “Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album.”
Rick Rubin, who produced two Johnny Cash albums and the Dixie Chicks’ award winning disc, was named “Producer of the Year.”
Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media went to the Johnny Cash movie “Walk the Line” with vocals by Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Shooter Jennings and others.
“Best Southern Gospel or Bluegrass Album” went to the Del McCoury Band for “The Promised Land” while Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder picked up “Best Bluegrass Album” for “Instrumentals.”
“Best Country Instrumental Performance” went to Bryan Sutton and Doc Watson for “Whiskey Before Breakfast.”
Carrie and Rascal Flatts were the only country singers who performed on the GRAMMY awards. They did a tribute to country rock with nods to Bob Wills and the Eagles.

COUNTRY ARTISTS SPIN THE WHEEL FOR CHARITY ON “WHEEL OF FORTUNE”

American gets to see how quickly country artists can solve puzzles this week. Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry, Richie McDonald, Keech Rainwater and Dean Sams of Lonestar, Lorrie Morgan, Wynonna and Trisha Yearwood are part of the country music contingent that went to Charleston, SC, to tape the weeks worth of episodes for the game show. Wynonna told “The State” newspaper, quote, “The last time I was on, I didn’t win much, I’ve been catching up and reviewing my vowels.” The singer adds, quote, “Is ‘Y’ a vowel?” Wy admits to being a competitive player, adding, quote, “I think I’m a very childlike person when it comes to games. I get really hyper.” This is the second year “Wheel of Fortune” has featured a week of country celebrities. Others trying their skills include Steve Azar, Terri Clark, Josh Gracin, Michael Britt, Julie Roberts, Trent Tomlinson and Mark Wills. Each artist is matched with a fan and will play for their favorite charity.
Gracin will spin the wheel for the National Guard Youth Challenge. Tomlinson and Roberts will play for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Gentry is playing for Keep the Music Playing, the Country Music Association’s music and schools program. Azar is playing for the St. Cecilia Foundation, a nonprofit corporation he and his wife formed to help various charitable organizations provide aid to sick, disadvantaged and abused children particularly in the Delta region as well as the Nashville area where he and his family reside. Lonestar is playing for AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort.

KEITH URBAN SET TO APPEAR ON “THE TODAY SHOW” FRIDAY

Keith Urban will perform on NBC’s “Today Show” on Friday. He will perform three songs on the plaza Rockefeller Center in New York City. Urban is gearing up for the first leg of his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy World” tour which starts with a show in Phoenix, AZ on June 8th. He will do a 33-city, 36-performance arena tour in the U.S. following club dates in Germany and arena dates in his homeland of Australia. Four new dates have been listed on his website --June 28th he will be in St. Louis, MO; June 29th, Memphis, TN; July 2nd, Oklahoma City, OK and July 6th, Dallas, TX.

GRETCHEN WILSON WON’T FORGET FIRST TIME SHE HEARD “COME TO BED”

Gretchen Wilson says she will never forget hearing her current single, “Come to Bed,” for the first time. She was at the end of a songwriting session with John Rich of Big & Rich and Vicky McGehee. The three were winding down with a glass of wine and Rich mentioned that he and Vicky had one other song that might need a little work. He sang “Come To Bed” and then asked Gretchen, quote, “You think we can tweak it a little bit?” Gretchen was so floored by the raw emotion of the song that she simply shook her head. <>
In other Gretchen news, the singer helped raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a performance at Graham Central Station in Albuquerque, NM. One-hundred-percent of the more than 15-thousand dollars will go to the hospital.

GARTH BROOKS MISSES FRIENDS IN NASHVILLE

Garth Brooks celebrated his 45th birthday in Los Angeles Thursday with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, and friends from Nashville who were in town to attend the GRAMMY awards. The “Tennessean” reports that Brooks misses friends who live in Nashville. He told the newspaper, quote, “The people made me love Nashville. Me and the industry always went head to head but me and the people were always just sweet.” Reports are that the studio Jack’s Tracks is up for sale and Brooks says he might look into buying it. He says, quote, “That is the place where we’ve done al of our stuff. For the love of (producer) Allen Reynolds, I’d do anything he talks about.”

JASON MICHAEL CARROLL DRAWS SELLOUT CROWD IN MINNEAPOLIS

Jason Michael Carroll drew a sellout crowd in Minneapolis, MN last week. After an announcement on local radio that he was performing, fans lined up to see the singer of the hit song “Alyssa Lies.” In fact, so many people called about the show that were younger fans that the club lifted the age limit and allowed younger fans in to see Carroll. In Raleigh, N.C., Carroll sold 600 copies of his new album “Waitin’ in the Country” while doing personal appearances at several retail stories and clubs in the area. The young singer has caught the attention of Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn, who says, quote, “He has one of those unique, recognizable voices and an ability to speak from his heart in his songs. This is not a ‘paint-by-numbers’ artist, and the success of his single, ‘Alyssa Lies,’ proves the public is always ready for a good dose of that …” Carroll is scheduled to be on the Grand Ole Opry on February 24th.

MIRANDA LAMBERT LIKES BEING ON BIG STAGE WITH TOBY KEITH TOUR

Miranda Lambert says she doesn’t get nervous before a concert, not even as the opening act on Toby Keith’s “Hookin’ Up and Hangin’ Out” tour. She says, quote, “I just feel like, ‘Wow! I’m actually on a stage that I used to go see people I’m a fan of on’…and then I get to be on the same stage!” Miranda says she never doubted she’d be onstage performing at this point in her life…but she figured the odds were that it would be in a much smaller setting – perhaps, quote, “at a bar somewhere.” In addition to her hit single “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” Miranda is singing a few songs off the upcoming album by the same name for the crowds.

KELLIE PICKLER SINGS FROM THE HEART ON NEW SINGLE “I WONDER”

Kellie Pickler says her new single is not her favorite song to sing. “I Wonder” was written about the mother Kellie never knew, so it’s a very hard song for her to get through. On the other hand, the song comes from the heart of someone who has known the heartbreak of being abandoned by her mother at an early age. Pickler says the good thing about “I Wonder” is that it might help someone else who is going through a similar experience in their life. She says, quote, “It’s not something that I’m proud to sing about because it’s sad that any person would feel the lyrics of that song.”

QUICK BITES

Dierks Bentley joins the Grascals for a performance tonight on CBS’ “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson.”

Little Texas performed at Planet Gemini in Monterey, CA, last week, where a packed house called them back for two encores.

Nicole Kidman, who is married to Keith Urban, will return as a presenter at the 79th Academy Awards ceremony on February 25th. Kidman took home a Best Actress Oscar in 2002 for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in “The Hours.” Kidman, who was heard in this year’s animated feature “Happy Feet” as the voice of Norma Jean, will be seen next in “The Invasion.” Reese Witherspoon, who portrayed June Carter Cash in “Walk the Line,” will also be a presenter awards ceremony. Last year Witherspoon received her first Oscar for her performance as June in that movie. Witherspoon serves as a producer on the upcoming “Penelope,” in which she also has a supporting role, and recently completed filming “Rendition.”

Taylor Swift’s new music video, “Teardrops On My Guitar,” has been added to CMT in Hot Shot rotation. The video features actor Tyler Hilton. Taylor will be on the Grand Ole Opry on April 14th.

Jack Ingram is enjoying his fastest-climbing single to date with “Lips Of An Angel.” It’s the lead track from “This Is It,” his first studio album in five years, which releases March 27th. Ingram says, quote, “The reaction to ‘Lips Of An Angel’ has been consistent and surprising. After the first few chords there is an audible gasp in the crowd and you can feel the tension in the first few rows.”

Sammy Kershaw, who is married to Lorrie Morgan, has filed for bankruptcy in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Nashville. The singer listed liabilities at just over one-million-100-thousand-drollars in the Chapter 13 filing submitted to the court last Tuesday. His list of assets was in the same range.

Jimmy Wayne has been working on songs for his upcoming debut album on Big Machine Records. Wayne spent last week writing in Aspen, CO, with pop singer/songwriter John Oates.
Danielle Peck is featured in the current issue of Country Weekly in a photo spread for Ariat Boots.

Hank Williams Jr. fans have a new guitar. Copley Musical Instrument Company has created an acoustic guitar exclusively for the Hank Jr. fan. The limited edition guitar, engraved with the Hank Jr. logo, contains a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard, an adjustable neck and sealed tuners. The full-sized six-string guitar has a top consisting of laminated spruce; the back and sides of the guitar sport exotic rosewood with inlaid bindings. The guitar is priced at just under 300 hundred dollars, which includes a hard shell carrying case.