Big Country Notes for MAY 24

GRETCHEN WILSON’S “ONE OF THE BOYS” HITS TOP OF “BILLBOARD” CHARTS

Gretchen Wilson is not just one of the boys –she’s ahead of both the boys and girls this week. The singer’s new release “One of the Boys” debuted at the top spot on “Billboard’s” country album chart. It entered the all-genre “Top 200” chart at number five. The album follows in the chart tracks of her first two albums, “Here for the Party” and “All Jacked Up,” both of which entered the country chart at number one. Those two discs have sold a combined six million units. Gretchen says, quote, “I am so thankful to my fans who have stuck with me on this crazy rocket ride. I also have to thank my band, crew, management, everyone at the label and especially my family for their support.” Despite her success, Wilson maintains she really is just one of the boys and girls she meets every day. Gretchen says, quote, “I’m just like the guy or gal next door. It’s just that I can sing and write and I ain’t afraid to say anything.” She adds, quote, “That’s not much different from the girl checking your groceries. We are all just ordinary people as far as I’m concerned.”

GRETCHEN WILSON ON TONIGHT’S “VH1 ROCK HONORS”

You can’t sing country without a lot of heart! Gretchen Wilson knows that for a fact. She says when she was growing up she sang country music with a little bit of rock ‘n roll thrown in for good measure. One of the rock acts whose songs she sang was Heart. Tonight, Gretchen will join help pay tribute to the rock duo made up of sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson on “VH1 Rock Honors.” She says, quote, “I got hooked up with them early in my career and we hit it off instantly,” adding,“When they asked Ann and Nancy who they wanted to front the band honoring them tonight they asked if I could do it.” Nancy Wilson joined Gretchen and Alice in Chains in their rendition of Heart's "Barracuda." The special will also honor Genesis, Ozzy Osbourne and ZZ Top. Among the performers are Keane, Nickelback, Queens of the Stone Age and Alice in Chains. Also making appearances will be Cameron Diaz, Jada Pinkett Smith, Billy Bob Thornton, Robin Williams, Criss Angel and Taylor Hawkins. The show airs on VH1 at 9 p.m. Eastern.
Gretchen will be the first artist featured on “CMT Diary.” Catch her episode tomorrow at 8 p.m. Eastern. Martina McBride is also one of the first artists to be a part of the new series. Each show is a half-hour segment which delves into the life of a country celebrity, with topics including their personal lives and their experiences on the road.

KEITH URBAN FINISHES AUSTRALIAN TOUR, TAKING TIME OFF

Keith Urban is taking a short break between the end of his Australian tour and the beginning of his U.S. swing. He’s spending time with his wife, Nicole Kidman, in Queensland where she is shooting director Baz Luhrmann’s epic “Australia.” Urban recently told Britain's "Sunday Times" that he is looking forward to fatherhood and that "next year actually would be lovely." Nicole echoed those sentiments when she told Australia’s “Women’s Weekly,” quote, “I would love to have a baby soon.” She also told the magazine, quote, "I love being married to Keith. I love being his wife. I do." She says she is committed to her marriage working. After a brief time with Nicole, Keith returns to the U.S. on June 8th for the opening night of his “Love, Pain & the whole crazy World Tour” in Phoenix, Arizona. The Wreckers are special guests.

SHANIA TWAIN NOT WORRIED ABOUT HER SONGS BEING INVOLVED IN POLITICS

Shania Twain’s song “Rock This Country” is one of nine tunes people can vote for that could become Hillary Clinton’s presidential official campaign song. Twain says she’s not worried – in fact, she’s glad her songs are getting attention. She says, quote, “My songs are just my personality. If somebody likes them enough to include them, I’m flattered by that.” Shania is in good company -- other songs on the list include U2’s “Beautiful Day,” Dixie Chicks’ “Ready To Run” and KT Tunstall’s “Suddenly I See.” Shania says, quote, “I’m not a politician … I have my own opinions but my songs don’t share them.” Saturday’s “CMT Insider” will feature an interview with Twain. In it she will discuss her song being included on Clinton’s list.

KELLIE PICKLER TURNS OUT TO BE PRANKSER ON BRAD PAISLEY TOUR

Watch out Brad Paisley – Kellie Pickler may be taking over your reputation as a prankster. Kellie says, quote, “I heard Brad is this big prankster guy but it’s all talk. He is intimidated by me because he has not pranked me yet.” The same can’t be said of the blonde singer, who’s currently on Paisley’s “Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour with Jack Ingram and Taylor Swift. In addition to Kellie and Taylor dressing like ticks and trying to distract Brad while Jack endeavors to kill them with pesticide, Kellie has a few tricks of her own up her sleeve. She says, quote, “I go out there in front with audience and I have this wig and these weird teeth and sit with the fans on the front row and they [fans] had no idea it was me.” She pulled the prank while Taylor was onstage and she said, quote, “She was just dying laughing.” But when she went out while Jack was onstage he didn’t even see her! Kellie says it doesn’t matter. She says, quote, “It’s all about having a good time and we’re definitely having a good time up there.”

JACK INGRAM FINDS MORE PEOPLE KNOW HIS SONGS THIS YEAR

Jack Ingram says the major difference in touring this year from last year is that more people know his songs. He says, quote, “I have five songs now and four of them are songs people can sing along with. A year ago I had one song people knew.” He says that when people are entering the venue and hear him singing he can see that they recognize his music. He says, quote, “It’s like they are seeing somebody they are on board with and they are singing along to the songs.” Ingram is on Brad Paisley’s “Bonfires & Amplifiers” tour with Kellie Pickler and Taylor Sparks. He has been having a bit of interaction with his fellow artists, but managed to miss one particular incident. He explains, quote, “Yeah, Kellie tried to pull a prank on me by going out front in the audience wearing this wig and buck teeth. Luckily I didn’t see her.” He has interacted some with Brad, however, who is a new dad to son Huck. Jack says he doesn’t think he needs to give Paisley any advice on being a father – he thinks he will do just fine on his own.
Jack is profiled in the July issue of American Airlines “American Attractions” magazine. His new single “Measure of a Man” will be featured on Harvest, the in-flight country radio channel.

TAYLOR SWIFT HAS TO ASK HERSELF “IS THIS REAL?”

Taylor Swift is on a career high right now. She’s touring with Brad Paisley’s “Bonfires & Amplifiers” tour but soon will be out with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on the “Soul2Soul 2007” tour. She says, quote, “Life is good … I am just so excited about everything going on right now. This time last year I was passing out cards to radio that said “My name is Taylor Swift, my song is called ‘Tim McGraw.’” In the past year she has toured with a number of top country acts including Rascal Flatts, George Strait and Kenny Chesney. She says when she thinks about it, she is, quote, “Freaking out, I am so excited.” Swift says being on the Paisley tour with Kellie Pickler and Jack Ingram is lots of fun. Of her tour mates she says, quote, “Kellie is so funny and I’m a huge fan of Jack, he’s great. Brad Paisley is hands down the coolest person I’ve ever met.”
Taylor nominated for Best Artist Website in “Music Row” magazines ‘Best Of’ Awards. The winners will be announced June 12th.

JOSH TURNER SAYS NO TO “DANCING WITH THE STARS”

There was a time when Josh Turner had to dance for his supper. He once was in a show in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina called “High Steppin’ Country.” Turner says, quote, “We would sing and dance for three hours straight, right there on the beach in an open air amphitheatre, with all the heat and humidity.” He adds, quote, “It was pretty intense. You had to stay hydrated and stay in shape.” He cautions, however, that he is not interested in filling a celebrity spot on “Dancing with the Stars.” Josh says, quote, “My dancing days are over … I’ve been there, done that.”
Josh will be part of the 18th annual Memorial Day Concert from Washington, D.C. The show will be broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern.

CELEBRITY SOFTBALL CHALLENGE SIGNS UP THE STARS

The final lineup of the all-star team for the Lynnco Custom Cycles “17th Annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge” has been announced. Team one will include Jake Owen, Jason Michael Carroll, Keith Anderson, Keni Thomas, Blue Country, Emerson Drive, the Hackers, Lee Brice, Linda Davis, Rodney Atkins, NASCAR driver Shane Huffman, and Tennessee Titans Ken Amato, Daniel Loper and Donnie Nickey. The second team is made up of Carrie Underwood, Craig Morgan, Vince Gill, Amy Dalley, Chely Wright, Cole Deggs, Dusty Drake, Luke Bryan, Grand Ole Opry Live’s, Nan Kelley, television show host Storme Warren, Trick Pony, Two Foot Fred, and Tennessee Titans Craig Hentrich, Rob Bironas and Robert Reynolds. The celebrity match takes place June 7th at Nashville’s Greer Stadium.

QUICK BITES

Tim McGraw is now riding in style. According to Jimmy Carter on WSMV-TV Nashville, pro football star Brett Favre gave the singer a Confederate Hellcat Combat motorcycle for is birthday. The bike can go from zero to a hundred miles an hour in three seconds. Tim says he has tested the cycle and it actually will go that fast.

Gary Allan is on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” today. He will discuss the signs of depression that can lead to suicide and the loss of a loved one, as he experienced with his wife Angela.

Reba McEntire will do a benefit to help raise money for the Texoma Health Foundation on Sunday. The event, tagged “Fly Away with Reba,” will include a reception, dinner and show. The show is to help raise funds for the health care of people in Texoma, Texas.

Jimmy Webb, who wrote "By The Time I Get To Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman" and "Galveston" for Glen Campbell, will participate in the second annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Master Class June 5th in New York City. The session will be held at the Cutting Room.

Kellie Pickler says writers from “That 70s Show” are still working on a script for a sitcom for her. She says, quote, “Don’t worry, it’s a comedy – I won’t be a brain surgeon or anything. It’s still so very early in the project.” She adds, quote, “Right now the most important thing to me is country music.”

Dolly Parton helped raise half a million dollars to build a new hospital in her Sevier County, Tennessee, where she grew up. She held a benefit concert Sunday for the project.

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.

Big Country Notes for MAY 22

CARRIE UNDERWOOD GOES PLATINUM SIX TIMES OVER

Carrie Underwood is now one of only two females to sell six million copies of her debut album. Carrie’s “Some Hearts” release has been certified by the Recording Industry Association of America for reaching sales of six million. Her album and “Blue” by LeAnn Rimes are the only debut albums by female artists in country music to reach those sales figures. “Some Hearts” was released November 15th, 2005, and has been on the “Billboard” Top Country Album charts for 78 weeks. For 26 of those weeks the disc was in the number one position. It reclaims that position this week after a 29 percent sales jump following the Academy of Country Music awards on May 15th.

The hit single “Before He Cheats” from the debut album breaks new ground on the digital frontier, as release-to-date total sales vault to more than one million downloads, ranking “Before He Cheats” as the best-selling digital country song in chart history.
“Some Hearts” remains the best-selling, single-disc country album by a solo artist, male or female, in the last six years -- since Tim McGraw’s “Greatest Hits” released in November of 2000. It’s the best-selling, single-disc country album by any artist since the release of the Dixie Chicks’ “Home” in August 2002.

KEITH URBAN SAYS NEXT YEAR "WOULD BE LOVELY" FOR HAVING KIDS WITH KIDMAN

Country star Keith Urban says he and his Oscar-winning wife Nicole Kidman aren't having kids -- yet. The singer tells Britain's "Sunday Times" that he is looking forward to fatherhood and that "next year actually would be lovely." Thirty-nine-year-old Urban and 39-year-old Kidman married in June 2006. Urban entered rehab in October. He says that since his treatment, "I've felt I'm alive, engaged in my own life, present, accountable and responsible. And the irony is, I'm becoming the person I was trying to be all along." Urban also says that his marriage has been good for him, because "I am more selfless and I am learning so much about myself from loving her. I am more comfortable with who I am because at the core I'm happy. It's a beautiful journey." (Metro Source)

GRETCHEN WILSON GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

The redneck woman who dropped out of high school at 15 is hitting the books again. Gretchen Wilson tells “People” magazine that she’s studying to get her GED certification. Wilson says, quote, “I felt like I was missing something – that there was stuff other people knew that I didn’t.” She adds, quote, “When Grace [her daughter] has trouble with algebra I want to be able to say ‘Let Mommy help you.’ I don’t want to be ignorant in my daughter’s eyes.” When Gretchen left school she was an A and B student. Wilson will study on the bus as she travels between concert dates this summer. She told “People” she hopes to take the test by the end of summer.

BILLY CURRINGTON STAYS AT NUMBER ONE WITH “GOOD DIRECTIONS”

When the single “Good Directions” first came out, Billy Currington found himself explaining to some deejays what turnip greens are. He’s not too worried about having to do that anymore now that the single is number one for the second week in a row. Billy says the line about turnip greens was his favorite lyric in the song. He adds, quote, “I really wanted a really country song at the time I found ‘Good Directions.’ Luke Bryant, who is one of my favorite writers, pitched it to me and I couldn’t pass it up.” Commenting on the song staying at the number one spot for two weeks in a row, Billy says, quote, “What a great place to be. This is extra special for many reasons.” Currington is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on his third album, slated for a Fall release.

JASON ALDEAN TO “GOOD MORNING AMERICA”

Jason Aldean heads for the Big Apple in June and a performance on “Good Morning America.” The singer will perform his hit “Johnny Cash” on the ABC show June 6th, just a week after his album “Relentless” hits stores on May 29th. The single is the fastest rising in Aldean’s career. It is also ranked as the highest rated song on AOL Radio’s country stations with a listener rating of nine-point-six out of ten. Jason will also be featured in this week’s “Entertainment Weekly” which is on stands Friday.
Aldean has a new web site, www.jasonaldean.com. Fans can get a sneak peak of the new album through streamed audio clips and behind-the-scenes video from the road. Jason is on tour with Rascal Flatts, and one fan club member will win an all-access pas to all of the singer’s remaining 2007 concerts.

MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY TO EXPLAIN SOD BUSTIN’ TO DAVID LETTERMAN

Michael Martin Murphey will be on “The Late Show With David Letterman” tonight to give Dave a little lesson in history. Seems Murphey’s hit “Wildfire” is one of Dave’s favorite songs and Paul Schaefer and the CBS Orchestra was playing it a couple weeks ago. A friend of Murphey’s just happened to be watching the show and heard David tell Paul, quote, “I love that song but I’ve never known what sod bustin’ meant.” The friend quickly called Murphey about the incident. It just happened that the next day Murphey was at his bass player Gary Roller's Rockin’ R art gallery in Albuquerque, N.M. and the two were talking about it. Murphey says he told Gary, "We should send a video of me riding my horse to New York to explain sod bustin’ to Dave." Gary made a few phone calls and a few hours later a camera crew arrived to document Murphey mounting his horse and riding north to the Big Apple. At the same time the video was on its way to Letterman, Schaefer continued to play "Wildfire" and Letterman continued to talk about sod bustin'. Bottom line – when Dave got the video he invited Murphey to be on the show to perform “Wildfire.”

CLINT BLACK UNVEILS NEW FAMILY PORTRAIT AT TENNESSEE STATE MUSEUM

Clint Black and his family – wife Lisa Hartman and daughter Lily – attended the opening day reception and exhibit of artist Peter Max at the Tennessee State Museum in Nashville Saturday. Titled “Peter Max: Maximum Exposure,” the exhibit had a special activity the Black family was especially interested in – the unveiling of a portrait by Max of Clint, Lisa and Lily. Lisa says, quote, “Clint and I met Peter Max in 1991 during the Super Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia when we hosted his gallery showing and became friends…We were so honored to be hosting another showing for Peter where he’ll unveil a portrait he has done of the two of us and our daughter Lily Pearl Black.” Clint adds, quote, “On our last trip to New York, Peter took us on a tour of his studio and as an artist of a different kind, I can easily say that he is one of the most impressive and prolific artists of any period.”

JOE NICHOLS’ “I’LL WAIT FOR YOU” HITS 100,000 SPINS

Joe Nichols isn’t waiting for radio airplay – his single “I’ll Wait For You” has already wracked up 100-thousand spins. “Radio & Records” has given the song a “BDS Certified Spin Award” for reaching that achievement in April. Nichols joins a small group of artists who have had the same success, among them Keith Urban and Martina McBride. Joe is hoping for the same success with his new single “Another Side of You.” It’s the first release from his new album “Real Things.” which will hit stores this summer.

ERIC CHURCH PLAYS IN HOMETOWN TO SOLD OUT CONCERT

More than four thousand fans came out to South Caldwell High School’s Spartan Stadium in Hudson, North Carolina Sunday to see hometown boy Eric Church. The concert was a benefit for his alma mater. People from Church’s hometown of Granite Falls and the surrounding North Carolina counties came to the show as did hundreds of members of Church’s fan club, the “Church Choir.” His fan club presented the singer a check to benefit the school. Church says, quote, “I just want to say it was good to be home.” He adds, quote, “I’ve been fortunate enough to have played all across the country, but nothing beats playing to your home town crowd.” Church played a rousing set of songs from his debut album, “Sinners Like Me,” mixing in references to local fishing spots, rowdy bars, friends and relatives that drew loud cheers from the hometown crowd. Church says, quote, “The whole reason that “Sinners Like Me” is here is because of that school, that town and those people, so coming home to do this benefit was a no-brainer for me.”

NEWCOMER SARAH JOHNS SINGS ABOUT “THE ONE IN THE MIDDLE”

It takes a lot of courage as a newcomer to sing a kiss-off song titled “The One in the Middle.” Sarah Johns sings lyrics like “I would’ve given you the finger on my left hand, the one that you use for a wedding band, but now I’m giving you the one in the middle” without hesitation. She also didn’t hesitate when she was invited to attend the ACM Awards last week and hang out at the post parties with the likes of Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn and Miranda Lambert. Johns says, quote, “You know what I was doing this time last year? Cleaning tour buses!” After moving to Nashville, Sarah cleaned artists’ tour buses so she could support herself while she was writing songs and trying to get a record deal. She adds with a laugh, quote, “Honey, you wouldn’t believe the stuff people leave behind on those buses.”

JACE EVERETT HOTS CMA GLOBAL ARTISTS PARTY

Newcomer Jace Everett will serve as host and master of ceremonies for "The Fourth Annual CMA Global Artists Party" June 4th at The Stage on Nashville's Lower Broadway. The evening will showcase established and up-and-coming country talent from around the world. This is Everett's second year to host the event. Jace says, quote, "It's amazing to me that a kid from Tarrant County, Texas has become this ambassador for CMA stuff, but it makes sense too.” He explains, quote, “I moved to Europe and was playing bass in a band over there when I was 22. Europe has been a large part of my life since I was a young man, and now things are coming full circle."

QUICK BITES

Gary Allan’s appearance on "Oprah" has been rescheduled for Thursday. He will discuss depression and its warning signs -- a subject he sadly knows all too well, following the tragic suicide of his wife last year.

Rodney Atkins will give “Guidepost Magazine” readers a peak at his life and the folks in it when he is featured on the cover of the publication’s Father's Day issue. The story, written in his own words, details the events of his three adoptions as an infant and the family who raised him as their own, as well as his own family with wife Tammy and son Elijah. A photo shoot at his home includes the entire Atkins clan.

LeAnn Rimes will debut her new video "Nothing Better To Do" on CMT.com today. It’s the first single from her upcoming album, “Family,” due in stores August 28th. Fan club members can visit LeAnnRimesWorld.com to get a sneak peek of some behind the scenes footage from the video shoot!

Catch Blake Shelton on CMT.com’s “Studio 330 Sessions” for brand-new acoustic performances, including his current hit “Don’t Make Me” and his forthcoming single “The More I Drink.” Blake shows his more serious side in exclusive interview clips on stepping outside his comfort zone, connecting with his audience, and moving back to his home state of Oklahoma.

To congratulate the music world’s “graduating class” of 2007, iTunes is handing out superlatives to some of the best up-and-coming artists among all genres. The Wreckers are touted as “Most Likely To Stay Friends Forever,” and are noted to excel in Home Economics (the duo tours with Michelle Branch’s toddler, Owen, in tow) and History, for their Top 10 hit, “My Oh My,” in which they talk about “This parking lot used to be a field/ I parked here in my Oldsmobile/ Long before the Sonic and the Walgreens.”

Travis Tritt performed “When Something is Wrong With my Baby” with Patti La Belle last week while he was in Los Angeles to perform for the folks at Yamaha. This was the first time Tritt actually performed the song with the R&B diva although he recorded it with her in 1994 as part of the Grammy winning multi-platinum cross-genre collection “Rhythm, Country & Blues.” Tritt’s new single “You Never Take Me Dancing” is off his forthcoming album “The Storm,” due out this summer.

Lonestar will be on Fox News Channel’s “Hannity & Colmes” on Thursday. The group will perform the title tracks to their latest album “Mountains.” They are also scheduled to be on an upcoming episode of “EMERIL LIVE!”

Big Country Notes for MAY 21

REBA McENTIRE SAYS SHE’D COMPETE ON “AMERICAN IDOL” IF JUST STARTING OUT

Reba McEntire says if she were starting out today she would definitely try out for “American Idol” and “Nashville Star.” She says, quote, “From the second grade on, every time there was a talent contest I would be in it. I wanted to be in front of that audience.” She says she doesn’t regret the way she came up the ranks, working rodeos and county fairs and festival. Reba says, quote, “I needed that experience, I needed to create a fan base. I needed that foundation that I wouldn’t have been able to secure otherwise.”

TRACE ADKINS HAS BUDDING MOVIE STARS IN HIS OWN FAMILY

Trace Adkins says his daughters have done very well in their appearances in his videos. Brianna is in his last video, “Ladies Love Country Boys,” while Mackenzie was in “More.” The singer says, quote, “I wanted her to be in a video because Mackenzie was in one when she was two. Hopefully I’ll be still be making them when the baby [Trinity] gets old enough and have her in one.” Trace says Brianna did great, doing what the director told her to do. Adkins says proudly, quote, “She was just like an old pro.”

Adkins new video, “I Feel Something,” has the same tone as the song. Trace says, quote, “It’s serious, reflective, a little darker and deeper. The whole mood is trying to be complimentary to the lyric.” He adds, quote, “It’s a serious song about apathy … about how apathetic and numb we have become about the human condition these days.”

MONTGOMERY GENTRY PERFORM WITH MAYA ANGELOU TONIGHT

Dr. Maya Angelou is a country music fan, and she often makes reference to the lyrics from country songs in her appearance. Tonight she has asked Montgomery Gentry to perform their song “Some People Change” when she speaks in Nashville. The duo will be backed by the historic choir from Fisk University, the Fisk Jubilee Singers. It will be the first time they have performed the song with a choir behind them. Troy Gentry says, quote, “It’s just very flattering [for] somebody of her charisma, her stamina and everything else to invite two hillbillies like us to sing.” Eddie Montgomery says, quote, “I just wanna make sure somebody has a camera and make sure that somebody’s getting some pictures! It’s going to be totally awesome, I tell ya.”

PORTER WAGONER CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY

Porter Wagoner had a hit with “Company’s Comin,’” and Saturday night lots of company showed up to honor the singer for his 50 years at the Grand Ole Opry. Marty Stuart hosted a one-hour Opry segment that featured Dolly Parton and Patty Loveless. Dolly sang what she called one of Porter’s favorite songs, “Coat of Many Colors.” She reminded him that she tore a cleaner’s receipt off one of his famous rhinestone suits to write the lyrics on. She and Porter dueted on one of their signature songs, “.” To close the show Parton sang “I Will Always Love You,” with Porter tearing up at the end of the song. Dolly gently wiped the tears away. Porter got an 1881 gold watch from the Opry and a huge anniversary cake decorated with his signature a confectionary replica of his huge belt buckle, sparkly boots and several 45 records. Wagoner told the crowd gathering backstage at the Opry, “I am so thrilled to be here and I thank all of you for coming tonight.” Stuart, who produced Porter’s upcoming album “Wagonmaster,” says, quote, “There’s not much to produce with Porter – you just put him in the studio and let him sing.” The new album is in stores June 5th.

TRACY BYRD PERFORMANCE FOR WAL-MART STORE THAT SELLS MOST CHILDREN’S MIRACLE BALLOONS

Tracy Byrd will perform free at the Wal-Mart store that sells the most Children’s Miracle Network balloons between now and the end of the month. Tracy says, quote, "If every person who shops at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club purchased just one balloon, together we could really help improve the health and welfare of children through Children's Miracle Network. I'm looking forward to celebrating with the community who gives the most back." Leading the pack are stores in Marietta, Ohio, Athens, Georgia and Fort Smith, Arkansas. Following close behind are Charleston, South Carolina and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The goal is to raise ten million dollars for children’s hospitals across the country through the sale of the balloons. Customers may make their purchases of the one-dollar balloons at Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Markets, Distribution Centers and Sam's Club locations throughout the country.

CMA CELEBRITY CLOSE UP SERIES BACK TO CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Trace Adkins, Terri Clark and Josh Turner will be on the hot seat at the first session of the CMA Music Fest’s “Celebrity Closeup.” Held on June 7th at the Ryman Auditorium, these sessions give fans a chance to ask questions of their favorite celebrities. The artists will share information on their careers, discuss their lives and giving a sneak peek into their future plans. The artists for the second session that day will be announced soon. This is just one of the chances fans will have to interact with their favorite artists throughout CMA Music Festival, June 7th – 10th in Nashville.

QUICK BITES

“Good Morning America's" weather anchor Sam Champion will report live from Nashville on June 7th during the CMA Music Festival. Champion will be joined by Bucky Covington and The Wreckers from the third-floor, rooftop patio at Graham Central Station, which overlooks the area of downtown Nashville where the festival is taking place.

“Love Everybody: Big & Rich” opens at the Country Music Hall of Fame on June 6th. It’s a spotlight exhibit focusing on the careers of Big & Rich. Among the highlights are Big Kenny’s top hat and a pair of John Rich’s Wrangler jeans, customized with rhinestone embroidery by his grandmother, Ann Rich.

Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland told “Billboard” magazine that even though their album "Enjoy the Ride" was released just last fall, the duo are already working on material for their new project. She says, quote "Basically, we wrote the last record in about two weeks over the course of three months. We were really under the gun, time-wise. So to have a little bit more time is really a gift." She adds, quote, "We don't feel every song we write needs to be close to what has to be on the album. Instead, we can be rather creative and see what we want to be on the album."

Kris Kristofferson received the inaugural Texas Legends Award for his contributions to the state’s culture and music at the “Road to Austin” music celebration Saturday. Performers at the concert included Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton and Joe Ely among many others.
Kathy Mattea returned to West Virginia University last Tuesday to accept an honorary doctorate of the arts. Mattea had started college with a degree in engineering in mind but left to pursue another love, music.


"SHREK" TAKES BOX OFFICE HONORS

A big green Ogre beat out the box office competition this weekend. Dreamworks "Shrek the Third" shattered the opening weekend record for an animated film, bringing in 122-million-dollars. The film stole the top spot from "Spider-Man 3." Analysts expected "Shrek the Third" to gross between 80-and-110-million dollars and it wasn't expected to top the opening of "Shrek 2," which hit 108-million. Coming in a distant second was "Spider-Man 3," which had 28-point-five-million-dollars in ticket sales. Also falling one spot this week to number three was "28 Weeks Later," with five-point-two-million in box office sales. (Metro Source)

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. "Shrek the Third," $122 million.
2. "Spider-Man 3," $28.5 million.
3. "28 Weeks Later," $5.15 million.
4. "Disturbia," $3.7 million.
5. "Georgia Rule," $3.5 million.
6. "Fracture," $2.4 million.
7. "Delta Farce," $1.8 million.
8. "The Invisible," $1.3 million.
9. "Hot Fuzz," $1.26 million.
10. "Waitress," $1.14 million.