Big Country Notes for MAY 18

REBA McENTIRE SINGS PRAISES OF NEW SINGLE WITH KELLY CLARKSON

Reba McEntire is thrilled with her new single. “Because of You” is the first release from her new “Reba Duets” album, and she sings it with Kelly Clarkson, who also wrote the song. Reba says, quote, “I think it’s one of the greatest songs I’ve ever gotten to sing.” The song is also featured in the upcoming CMT “Crossroads” that airs in October, which is where Reba first heard it. She says, quote, “When Kelly and I did it on the ‘Crossroads’ taping it wasn’t planned for us to record it. We had already recorded a duet together.” McEntire’s husband Narvel Blackstock told her that the song was “powerful” and that she and Kelly had to record it for the duets project. Reba says, quote, “Kelly was for that of course – she wrote it so she was thrilled to death!” She adds, quote, “Gosh what a song, I just love it.”

BROOKS & DUNN TRY NOT TO WRITE THE SAME SONG TWICE

Ronnie Dunn says one of the questions most often asked of Brooks & Dunn is, quote, “Are you going to have another ‘Believe’ on your new album?” He says they answer, quote, “We hope not.” Dunn goes on to explain, quote, “You don’t want to chase your tail and repeat the same songs on every album – you want the new album to be different and fresh.” One of the songs that will make it that way is the duo’s new single “Proud of the House We Built.” Ronnie got the idea for the song at a concert in Georgia. It just happened that co-writer Terry McBride was at the show, so the two of them came up with the chorus right after Ronnie came off stage. They finished it the following day in Nashville with another co-writer, Marv Green. Ronnie says it was a last-minute addition to the 30 songs they had already cut for the new disc.

RASCAL FLATTS KICK OFF “GOOD MORNING AMERICA’S” SUMMER CONCERT SERIES TODAY

It’s not their normal concert time but Rascal Flatts will be playing a special gig this morning. The group will debut ABC’s “Good Morning America” 2007 Summer Concert Series. In an unprecedented move, the band will play songs for the show and then play "Stand," which will be shown exclusively on ABCNEWS.com later in the day. The series, held in New York City’s Bryant Park next to Times Square, will continue through August 24th. This is the sixth year for the series of free concerts. Folks in New York can catch the shows each Friday from 7 – 9 a.m. Eastern. Brad Paisley performs on June 15th and Sugarland on July 27th. Miley Cyrus, who is Billy Ray Cyrus’ daughter, will perform as her character Hannah Montana from the show by the same name, on June 22nd. Other country connections in the lineup include R&B great John Legend on August 3rd. Legend was just at the ACM Awards show Tuesday night to perform with Big & Rich. Norah Jones, who dueted with Dolly Parton a few years ago, performs July 6th.

MARTINA McBRIDE AND ENTOURAGE ARRIVE AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL TONIGHT

Martina McBride is in the Big Apple to perform at Radio City Music Hall this evening. She performed there for the first time last year. Also on the bill are special guests Rodney Atkins and Little Big Town. Rodney and LBT are coming off wins at the ACM awards Tuesday night. Rodney was named Top New Male Artist and LBT Top New Duo or Group. Kimberly Roads of LBT says, quote “This has to go down as one of our most exciting weeks ever. We won our very first ACM Award and got to perform on the show with our band, and now we get to play the legendary Radio City Music Hall.” She adds, quote, “Just when we think it can’t get any better, it does.” Rodney says playing there will be one of the highlights of his career. Other country acts who have graced the Music Hall’s stage are Dolly Parton, The Judds, the Dixie Chicks and Gretchen Wilson.
Martina will be appearing on the syndicated “Regis and Kelly” show on Tuesday. No word yet on what she'll be singing.

BRAD PAISLEY SAYS DARK CHOCOLATE IS HIS FAVORITE

He wouldn’t go so far as to call himself a chocoholic, but Brad Paisley admits to liking chocolate a lot. His favorite is dark chocolate. It’s a good thing he likes the sweet concoction because his “Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour is being sponsored by Hershey’s this year. The chocolate manufacturer is also offering "S’more Access to Brad Paisley" with hundreds of thousands of prizes. Fans can find codes on specially marked packages of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and Hershey's Special Dark Semi-Sweet Chocolate six-packs and single bars, Hershey's Miniatures Chocolate bars and Hershey's Nuggets Chocolates. Codes can be checked at www.hersheys.com/paisley for a chance to win. The promotion runs through December 2007. Fans can also catch Brad, who will join his band mates and friends for a music and S’mores party. It will be taped for use in a national television commercial for Hershey’s, which launches this month.
"S’more Access to Brad Paisley" will have five grand prize winners who will have the chance to be members of Brad Paisley’s road crew. Additional prizes include custom autographed guitars, exclusive music downloads and fan club memberships. For official rules, please visit www.hersheys.com/paisley.
Celebrating the classic combination of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows, the "S’more Access to Brad Paisley" promotion coincides with the 80th anniversary of this enduring treat. S’mores first appeared in the Girl Scout handbook in 1927 and remain a favorite summertime treat. Throughout the summer, Hershey will offer samples of S’mores at Brad Paisley concerts and other locations across the U.S.
Brad enjoys his favorite S’mores made with Hershey’s Special Dark Semi-Sweet Chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers and a lightly toasted marshmallow. For more recipes, log on to www.smoresfun.com.

T.G. SHEPPARD AND KELLY LANG ANOUNCE ENGAGEMENT

T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang have announced their engagement. The couple has been dating for more than six years. Lang can pinpoint exactly when she knew T.G. was the man she wanted to marry. It was during her battle with breast cancer, and chemotherapy had claimed all of her hair. She says one day when she was feeling so defeated, T.G. kissed her on her bald head, lifted her face to look into her eyes and told Kelly, quote, “you are the most beautiful woman in the world and that I will never leave you.” Kelly says, quote, “I knew he meant it. Now that's a man I look forward to spending the rest of my life with." Sheppard says, quote, "I couldn't be happier, after all, I am going to marry this amazingly talented and beautiful woman who, luckily for me, is also my very best friend." The wedding will take place this summer. The couple will live in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Meanwhile, Kelly just released her sophomore album “Jagged Edges.” She wrote or co-wrote all 17 songs. Her co-writers were Lorrie Morgan and Mark Iliverius. Track seven, "I'm Not Going Anywhere," will be featured in the new Burt Reynolds movie, "Deal," due for release in August.

GRAND OLE OPRY SALUTES MILITARY THIS SUMMER

Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Joe Diffie and Mark Chesnutt will join The Grand Ole Opry Memorial Day Weekend to honor members of the United States military. The Opry’s salute to the military will continue through Labor Day Weekend. The series includes special shows, recognition of military personnel, and special offers. Other performers on the Memorial Day weekend show are Hal Ketchum, the Del McCoury Band and Porter Wagoner. There will be performances from the Opry stage and military performances and displays in the Opry Plaza.

WILLIE TRIES TO SAVE TEXAS HORSES FROM SLAUGHTER

Willie Nelson is asking fans to help stop the slaughter of horses in Texas. The singer says, quote, “The last place in the world I thought would ever support horse slaughter is my home state. No other animal symbolizes the spirit of Texas better than the horse.” He adds, quote, “We are aware of the overwhelming cruelty horses face on the trip to the slaughterhouse, and we do not mistake slaughter for euthanasia." To learn more about the issue visit www.saplonline.org/horses.htm.


On the Grand Ole Opry: a 50th Anniversary Salute to Porter Wagoner with Dolly Parton, Marty Stuart, Patty Loveless and others.

Big Country Notes for MAY 16

“IDOL” CHATTER, STRAIT TRUTH AND ANOTHER BROOKS & DUNN DEAL

Three different artists made multiple trips to the podium last night at the 42nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. The ACM gave trophies away twice to Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait, who shared Song of the Year honors with the writers of his hit “Give It Away” (including fellow Hall of Famer Bill Anderson and producer Buddy Cannon). Strait came back to take Single Record of the Year for the same song. On a night when the ACMs competed on the tube with “American Idol,” former “Idol” winner Carrie Underwood took three trophies: Top Female Vocalist; Video of the Year, for “Before He Cheats”; and Album of the Year for “Some Hearts.” Backstage Carrie said, quote, “I have the best job in the world. “Idol” made its presence felt elsewhere on the show with appearances by Kellie Pickler and Kelly Clarkson, who sang a duet with ACM host Reba McEntire. Carrie apparently TiVo’d last night’s episode, because she had every intention of following the vote from three finalists down to two. Brooks & Dunn also extended their all-time record at the ACMs. With last night’s haul of three trophies—Top Vocal Duo; Vocal Event of the Year, for “Building Bridges,” featuring Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow; and the Home Depot Humanitarian award—they now have 24 ACMs in their career. Their win for duo marked their 14th time to earn that trophy, something they found particularly ironic, given that 13 is not considered lucky in Vegas. Backstage, Kix Brooks laughed that he didn’t think they had a chance, explaining, quote, “We’re in Vegas, 13, we’re dead.” The night also represented the third time that Kenny Chesney took Entertainer of the Year. The only artists to do that before were Garth Brooks, Alabama and Hank Williams Jr., and Kenny was particularly struck by that fact. He told reporters, quote, “All three of those acts… played a big part in the path of my life. The very first concert I saw in my life was an Alabama concert, and it went from there. Those three acts cut a path for a guy like me to do it like I do it. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to put my name on that wall with those three people.”
Winners at the 42nd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Kenny Chesney
TOP MALE VOCALIST Brad Paisley
TOP FEMALE VOCALIST Carrie Underwood
TOP VOCAL GROUP Rascal Flatts
TOP VOCAL DUO Brooks & Dunn
TOP NEW MALE VOCALIST Rodney Atkins
TOP NEW FEMALE VOCALIST Miranda Lambert
TOP NEW DUO OR VOCAL GROUP Little Big Town
ALBUM OF THE YEAR "Some Hearts" - Carrie Underwood
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR "Give It Away" - George Strait
SONG OF THE YEAR "Give It Away" - George Strait
VIDEO OF THE YEAR "Before He Cheats" - Carrie Underwood
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR "Building Bridges" - Brooks & Dunn with Vince Gill & Sheryl Crow

ACM FEATURES MAMAS & PAPAS AND POP LEGENDS AS THE CROW FLIES

Last night’s Academy of Country Music Awards showed that country music has expanded its stylistic reach with connections to other music genres. Pop singer Kelly Clarkson joined show host Reba McEntire on “Because Of You,” a song that appears on Reba’s upcoming “Reba Duets” album. R&B vocalist John Legend performed with Big & Rich on “Lost in this Moment.” That moment is believed to mark the first time a soul singer sang on the ACMs since Lionel Richie teamed with Alabama on “Deep River Woman” in the mid-‘80s. Sheryl Crow joined Brooks & Dunn and Vince Gill in winning the Vocal Event award for “Building Bridges,” making her the first purely pop act to take that honor. Jimmy Buffett shared the award with Alan Jackson several years ago, but he’s been in and out of country several times in his career. Backstage, Little Big Town also acknowledged that the composition of their group—two men, two women, strong harmonies—makes them similar to the ‘60s act The Mamas and the Papas. In fact, they admitted they’ve toyed with the idea of recording “California Dreamin’.” They’ve also recorded with rocker John Mellencamp and that’s influenced their work on their upcoming album. Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town noted, quote, “He spends hours and hours arranging, rearranging, micing drums differently. It’s an unbelievable thing to sit and watch.”

A TIRED PAISLEY ENJOYS HIS NEW STATUS

When Brad Paisley took Top Male Vocalist at last year’s Academy of Country Music Awards, it marked his first time to win the award. His competitors might have been “ticked” (not really, but Brad did sing “Ticks” on the show!), but Brad was elated. He confessed backstage that he’s been working of late on very little sleep—he’s been busy promoting his new album, kicking off the new tour, and helping take care of his son. In fact, he says that when he talks to his wife, Kimberly Williams, from the road, she’s been so emotional that it leaves him feeling things more deeply than he usually does. He told reporters, quote, “All the emotions are ten times what they could be.” One reporter noted that his music bears lots of similarity to the late Roger Miller, who had a way of being both clever and poignant in his songs. Appropriately, Brad indicated that his son’s middle name, Huckleberry, is a direct reference to Roger’s Broadway play “The River,” which surrounded fictional character Huck Finn. Brad said, “I keep going back to Roger and his genius and trying to capture that in some of the songs that I write.” He added, quote, “I’m not the new Roger Miller in any way in that he was out of this world.”

CLAY WALKER ANNOUNCES WEDDING DAY

Clay Walker and Jessica Craig have announced September 28th as their wedding day. The couple, who met in New York City at the Country Music Association awards, will tie the knot in New Orleans, Jessica’s hometown. Clay says, quote, “I don’t know what makes a person deserve finding the love of your life but it happened to me.” He says he thinks it’s more about getting yourself ready for it to happen than going out and finding that person first, explaining, quote, “I started working on things I didn’t like about me and making better the good things about me. I prayed a lot and really just started finding peace with myself andd right about that time I met Jessica.” Clay adds, quote, “I don’t think that was coincidence. You can call it destiny, fate, whatever … I feel like it’s the greatest moment of my life and I feel like she’s the greatest thing that ever happened to me.”

BIG & RICH GO MULTIPLE PLATINUM

Big & Rich's are a triple threat – triple Platinum that is. Their debut album, “Horse of a Different Color,” was certified triple platinum for shipments of three million copies by the Recording Industry Association of America on Monday. The project featured the hit single "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy," which was previously certified as a Gold digital single and, as a phone ringtone, a gold mastertone. The duo’s third album, “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace,” will be released in June.

GRETCHEN WILSON AND FRIENDS ROCK LAS VEGAS

Gretchen Wilson has taken Las Vegas by storm. She not only celebrated yesterday’s release of her “One of the Boys” project at an album release party, she taped a tribute to Heart for “VH1’s Rock Honors.” She also performed at a free concert Sunday on Fremont Street, which kicked off her 2007 tour. Special guests for that show were John Rich of Big & Rich and Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. While John, Ann and Nancy won’t be along for the rest of the tour, the pink flamingos and Airstream travel trailer will be. It’s Gretchen’s official set for her tour this year.

SEAN HANNITY ANNOUNCES FREEDOM CONCERTS 2007

Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes and Lee Greenwood will perform at Fox News personality Sean Hannity’s “Freedom Concerts” this year. The first show will be in Atlanta, Georgia on July 10th followed by July 26th show in San Diego. Cincinnati will host a show on August 9th followed by Dallas on August 14th. The final show will be in Jackson, New Jersey on September 11th. The Hannity Freedom Concerts benefit the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund for the children of America's Military Heroes who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. For more information on tickets go to http://www.hannityfreedomconcert.com/.

QUICK BITES

Kenny Chesney and his opening act Pat Green weren’t through performing even though the doors close at Grand Rapids' Van Andell Arena Monday night. The two headed down the street where they joined The Lost Trailers for jam session that totally surprised the club’s audience.

Darryl Worley performed Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” at Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta Saturday night. He was there to be a part of the “500 Songs for Kids” festivities. The two-day event was the biggest music charity in Georgia history. All proceeds from the evening will benefit 13 different charities. Worley’s performance benefits Kate’s Club and Camp Twin Lakes was benefited.

Shooter Jennings and his six-year girlfriend, actress Drea de Matteo, are expecting a baby. Shooter is Waylon’s son and his Drea is an actress who had a key role on HBO’s “The Sopranos” until she was killed off last year

Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs and headline two of the “Bluegrass at the Ryman” shows this year, July 5th and July 19th, respectively. Others in the lineup include Country Music Hall of Famer Earl Scruggs on June 21st; Rhonda Vincent on June 28th, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver on July 12th and Mountain Heart and The Grascals on July 26th.

Tanya Tucker has sold her home and surrounding 500-acres to a developer who plans to build an 18-hole golf course on it along with a subdivision. In fact, Tucker’s nearly 23-thousand-foot home is expected to become the clubhouse, according to “The Tennessean.” The sale ended up being a thirteen-point-five-million dollar deal, which included an additional tract next to Tucker’s property. Homes in the new subdivision will start at about 550-thousand dollars.

Big Country Notes for MAY 15

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS SHOW TONIGHT ON CBS

All eyes are on Las Vegas tonight for the Academy of Country Music Awards. Reba McEntire hosts the extravaganza for the ninth year. She says, quote, “Some of my favorite memories are Mac Davis, John Schneider … hosting with Hank Williams Jr. was a treat. I remember when George Strait, Randy Owens and I hosted it, sitting back stage singing John Anderson songs.” George Strait is up for eight awards, Rascal Flatts six and Carrie Underwood five. Big & Rich have four nods each while Vince Gill, Josh Turner and Gretchen Wilson have three each. Additionally, Brooks & Dunn will receive the prestigious Home Depot Humanitarian Award. The 42nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on CBS.

Rodney Atkins says of fellow artists and nominees Craig Morgan and Chris Young: “You can’t help but pull for people you’ve become friends with and Craig’s [Morgan] a great guy. He’s a hunter fisherman kind of guy. And Chris is great – they are both just regular joes.”
Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town says of being at the ACM’s this year: “This is such an amazing journey for us. Last year we performed with just two acoustic guitars – first awards show performance. This year it’s just exciting for us to come back and bring a little bit more of that journey with us.”

Josh Turner says he’s like to win Top Vocal Event because, quote, “It’s a song I wrote that’s a very personal song to me and one of my biggest heroes, Dr. Ralph Stanley, is singing on it with me. Plus one of greatest groups in country music, Diamond Rio, is singing on it.”

FAITH HILL WILL DEBUT NEW SINGLE ON ACM AWARDS SHOW TONIGHT

Faith Hill will debut her new single tonight on the 42nd Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS. The new song, “Lost,” was completed just this past week and will be the first single from her forthcoming greatest hits package entitled “The Hits.” Hill says, quote, “When we heard the final playback of the song, I don’t think that there was any question – everyone knew that it was special.” She adds, quote, “The timing couldn’t be better for us to play something new for our fans.” “Lost” was written by Kara DioGuardi and co-produced by Byron Gallimore and Faith.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY IN LAS VEGAS TWICE

Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry have a busy week ahead of them. They’re in Las Vegas tonight for the Academy of Country Music Awards show. After the show they fly to Los Angeles, where they tape the hit television show “Las Vegas.” Their appearance on “Las Vegas” includes a performance and a speaking part. The two joke that they worry the director might take one look at them and say, quote, “Don’t worry about your lines, just stick to your music.”

GRETCHEN WILSON RELEASES “ONE OF THE BOYS” TODAY

Today is a special day for Gretchen Wilson because her new album “One of the Boys” arrives in stores. Wilson says she took more time to write and work on this album and, quote, “I feel like this really reflects where I am in my life right now. There are songs that show a softer side – more vulnerable – but there are definitely still some butt-kickers!” She co-wrote all but two of the eleven tracks on the album. Gretchen is in Las Vegas for the ACM awards tonight.
Track Listing for “One of the Boys”:
1. The Girl I Am
2. Come To Bed (Featuring John Rich)
3. One Of The Boys
4. You Don't Have To Go Home
5. Heaven Help Me
6. There's A Place In The Whiskey
7. If You Want A Mother
8. Pain Killer
9. There Goes The Neighborhood
10. Good Old Boy
11. To Tell You The Truth

JOHN ANDERSON RELEASES “EASY MONEY” TODAY

John Anderson new album “Easy Money” comes out today, the singer’s first new album in six years. The first single, “A Woman Knows,” and its accompanying video are already out. The disc features guest vocals from Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard on “Willie’s Guitar.” Keith Urban came by the studio to lend a hand on guitar for the title track. The album is produced by John Rich of Big & Rich, who also wrote the first single. This is the first time in Anderson's nearly 30-year career that he has not produced one of his own albums. Anderson and Rich collaborated as writers on two songs on the album. Rich told “Billboard,” quote, "What inspired me to work on this project is the mere fact that John Anderson is one of the greatest country singers in the history of country music, and he has been absent from radio for several years." Rich adds, quote, "I wanted to hear him singing again, simple as that. He's as good, or maybe better, than he ever was, and many of my artist friends consider him a major influence on their music, as do I."

QUICK BITES

Josh Turner performed his hit single "Would You Go With Me" on the “Today” show's Plaza Friday to launch their Summer Concert Series.

Little Texas’ new album that releases today is a greatest hits-plus collection titled “Live and Loud.” It includes their songs "My Love," "First Time for Everything" and "God Blessed Texas."
However fans will find a few surprises including covers of the Beatles' "Get Back" and the Eagles' "Peaceful Easy Feeling."

Billy Currington's "Good Directions" replaced labelmates Sugarland’s “Settlin,’” marking his second number one single on the “R&R Country” chart this week.

IN STORES TODAY

Gretchen Wilson – “One of the Boys”
John Anderson – “Easy Money”
Little Texas – “Live and Loud”

Big Country Notes for MAY 14

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS OFERS HUGE LINEUP OF PERFORMERS

Traditionally awards shows provide artists a chance to spotlight upcoming product. Tomorrow night’s 42nd annual Academy of Country Music awards has a great lineup of top country acts, several of whom are bringing special guests. Reba McEntire, who is hosting the evening, will perform with Kelly Clarkson. They will do the song that that is on the upcoming “Reba Duets” album, “Because of You.” Big & Rich are bringing R&B star John Legend to the stage with them. Legend guests on Big & Rich’s upcoming album “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace.” It will be the singer’s first time on the ACM awards when he sings “Eternity” with the duo.

Other performers for the evening’s awards show include Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood.
Presenting will be Gary Dourdan, Sara Evans, Heartland, Brad Mates of Emerson Drive, Justin McBride, Dr. Phil & Robin McGraw, Craig Morgan, Joe Nichols, Kellie Pickler, Gabrielle Reece, Emma Roberts, Darius Rucker, Eric Szmanda, Luke Wilson, Chris Young, Terri Clark, Montgomery Gentry, Tracy Lawrence, Blake Shelton, Michelle Stafford, Hannah Storm and The Wreckers.
The 42nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas tomorrow at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific on CBS.

GRETCHEN WILSON EXPLAINS WHY HER ALBUM IS CALLED “ONE OF THE BOYS”

Gretchen Wilson’s new album “One of the Boys” will be in stores tomorrow. While the title may seem a little odd to some folks, Gretchen says it makes perfect sense to her because it’s the song that is most her. She says, quote, I remember in the very beginning people asking me, ‘Do you plan to change? Do you plan to go with the flow? Is your music going to change?’ I feel like I’ve grown as a person, as a human being, as a woman and I feel like that the music has gotten deeper. More inside, I guess than it was before.” The album releases the same day as the Academy of Country Music awards show in Las Vegas, which airs on CBS tomorrow night at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific.

BROOKS & DUNN, ALAN JACKSON WOW CROWD IN VIRGINIA BEACH

Three men and a lot of hit songs make a winning combination for a tour. Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson opened the season for the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheatre and kicked off their 2007 co-headlining tour last Thursday. The crowd loved them. “The Virginia Pilot” reported that after both acts offered hit after hit during their individual sets, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks returned to the stage to join Alan and his band in a rousing jam session. The newspaper says that opening acts Jake Owen and Catherine Britt offered short sets and were well received. The two co-headliners will play 30 dates throughout the summer. Ronnie says, quote, “We’ve been talking about doing this tour forever,” adding that scheduling and other factors always seemed to keep it from happening.

“The Virginia Pilot” reports that there is a great deal of “faith and flag” in both artists’ shows. It said both artists make great use of the huge video screens.

SUGARLAND CONTRIBUTES SONG FOR “GOOD MORNING AMERICA”

Sugarland is singing “GMA is Here” for ABC’s “Good Morning America.” The song is part of a newly launched promotional campaign by ABC for the show. Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland co-wrote the song, adapting their brand new single "Everyday America." Nettles says, quote, “Good Morning America has been such a huge supporter of Sugarland that it feels great to join them in waking up the country every morning!” The special version debuted on GMA last Thursday. Both Nettles and Bush make cameo appearances via their most recent video for "Everyday America" in the 60 second spot.

MEL TILLIS INVITED TO BE A GRAND OLE OPRY MEMBER

Former Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Mel Tillis was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night. Bill Anderson issued the invitation, asking quote, “How would you like to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. We’d love to have you.” Tillis, obviously moved by the invitation, replied, quote, “This is another part of a dream yet to be fulfilled. The Opry’s always been on my mind.” Tillis also commented that he is thrilled that he continues to be a part of the country music community. On hand to see their dad invited to join the Opry were Tillis’ son Mel Jr. and daughter Pam Tillis. Pam has been an Opry member since 2000. She will formally induct her father into the Opry on June 9th.

TAYLOR SWIFT TURNS THE TABLES ON AN OPENING ACT

Taylor Swift has been invited to open a series of dates this summer for the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill “Soul2SoulII” tour. The young singer turned the tables on that scenario by inviting her co-star in the video “Teardrops on My Guitar,” Tyler Hilton, to open for her in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. It was Taylor’s first time to headline a show in her hometown. She says, quote, “So many things were running through my head during that first song…so many things. I remembered exactly where I sat when I saw Melissa Etheridge play there five years ago as a little 12-year-old girl with a huge (and what seemed like impossible) dream.” She adds, quote, “This is a life people wish for, and I'll never forget that there was a time that I didn't have it. There was a time when I didn't live it. I think it's really important to remember where you came from. It keeps you normal.”
When Taylor performs her hit single “Tim McGraw” on the “Soul2Soul II” tour it may be the first time the singer Tim McGraw has heard her do the song live. Dates on which she will perform will be announced soon.

COUNTRY WEEKLY MAGAZINES HOSTS FASHION SHOW

Clay Walker will step up in his cowboy boots to host “Country Weekly’s” Fashion Show presented by Wrangler on June 6th, just prior to the CMA Music Festival. Participants include Catherine Britt, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Lonestar, Neal McCoy, Danielle Peck, Tanya Tucker, Trent Willmon, Darryl Worley and Chris Young. The magazine partners with Wrangler and Hard Rock Cafe Nashville to bring these singers onto the fashion runway. The event will raise money and awareness for Musicians On Call. Only 250 guests will be able to attend the event at the Hard Rock Café.

QUICK BITES

Gene Watson has signed with Shanachie Entertainment. Watson will go in the studio this month with producer Brent Rowan to record his first studio album in three years. It will include new material and some re-recordings of his hit songs. The disc will be released in September.

Taylor Swift will perform on The Gracie Awards on June 18th live from New York City. The Gracie’s honor achievements by women in TV and radio. Her debut single “Tim McGraw” has been certified as a Digital Gold single by the Recording Industry Association of America. Taylor is one of only ten country artists to achieve that feat.

Bucky Covington’s fans came through in a recent on-line auction at Opry.com. His autographed, hand-written lyric sheet for his lead single “A Different World” raised just over four thousand dollars for the Opry Trust Fund, an organization formed to provide financial assistance to those in the country music community going through an emergency or time of need.

Danielle Peck is featured in the current issue of “Nashville Lifestyles” magazine in a photo spread bringing awareness to the Fashion Fights Poverty campaign.


"SPIDER-MAN 3" NETS MORE BOX OFFICE GREEN

"Spider-Man 3" continues to dominate the movie box office. The third film in the hit superhero franchise took in another 60-million in North American ticket sales this weekend to maintain its top standing at the box office, and bring its worldwide total to 622-million dollars. That puts the movie dubbed "the most expensive movie ever made" comfortably in the black. Columbia Pictures, the movie house behind "Spider-Man 3," says the action adventure cost 258-million dollars to produce, with sources estimating an added 125-million-dollars in prints and advertising to the film's price tag.

"Spider-Man 3" easily outpaced the competition in ticket sales this weekend. Its nearest competitor, the zombie thriller "28 Weeks Later," opened at number two with ten-million dollars. The Jane Fonda-Lindsay Lohan comedy "Georgia Rule" opened in a distant third place with five-point-nine-million. It was followed by "Disturbia" at number four with four-point-eight-million, and the new comedy "Delta Farce" at number five with three-point-five-million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. (final figures will be released today):

1. "Spider-Man 3," $60 million.
2. "28 Weeks Later," $10 million.
3. "Georgia Rule," $5.9 million.
4. "Disturbia," $4.8 million.
5. "Delta Farce," $3.5 million.
6. "Fracture," $2.9 million.
7. "The Invisible," $2.2 million.
8. "Hot Fuzz," $1.7 million.
9. "Next," $1.604 million.
10. "Meet the Robinsons," $1.6 million.