Big Country Notes for Sept 20

KENNY CHESNEY'S “POETS & PIRATES” A COUNTRY NUMBER ONE

Kenny Chesney finds himself at number one again. His album “Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates” debuted at the top of the “Billboard” country album chart. The disc came in third on the magazine’s all-genre Billboard 200 album chart, behind rappers Kanye West and 50 Cent. Chesney had hoped his sales might soar ahead of the rappers, who were having a feud to see which of them would land at number one. West took the honors. But Kenny says he thinks that in the end his music speaks for itself, noting that his albums tend to show consistent sales figures long after they're released. Chesney's still promoting his disc. He'll be featured on CBS' “The Early Show” this morning.

RASCAL FLATTS GEARING UP FOR ALBUM RELEASE

Rascal Flatts will have a new album in stores next week. The 13-track “Still Feels Good” includes songs co-written by group members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney, as well as tunes from hit songwriters. One of the writers of the trio's current single, “Take Me There,” is pal Kenny Chesney, who teamed up with Wendell Mobley and Neal Thrasher to pen the tune. While Chesney had initially planned to record the song himself, he later decided it was a great fit for Rascal Flatts. The guys in the band agreed the first time they heard the song. “Still Feels Good” will be released on Tuesday.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD SPENDING LOTS OF TIME ON CMT

The video for Carrie Underwood’s “So Small” will receive a multi-format world premiere on CMT and iTunes today. The country music TV station will devote six straight hours to the first clip from Underwood’s upcoming album. CMT stands for “Carrie Music Television,” and runs from 6:00 a.m. until noon Eastern Time today. This is the first time CMT has offered such a showcase for a new video. It's estimated that “So Small” will air 66 times within the six-hour span. CMT.com will carry an exclusive online stream of “So Small” tomorrow as well. Today's CMT event coincides with the music video’s launch for purchase at the iTunes Store, which will be the exclusive source to buy the clip throughout its debut week. “So Small” will be on Underwood's sophomore CD, “Carnival Ride,” which will hit stores on October 23rd.

BROOKS & DUNN'S HECTIC LIVES

When Brooks & Dunn are on the road, there is very little down time. Typically, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn's days are spent on the bus heading for a concert, doing a sound check at the show’s venue, or onstage performing. But once they're off the road, life doesn't slow down for either performer. But Dunn says it's not the same, noting the focus is very different. He explains, quote, “It’s typical family stuff – chasing kids from one ball game to the next. It’s hard being a mom and dad these days.” But right now the duo's hectic life is of the touring variety, as Brooks & Dunn is currently on the road with Alan Jackson. Their next show will be north of the border, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on September 26th. In addition, the duo is prepping for the release of their new album “Cowboy Town,” which will hit stores on October 2nd.

DOLLY PARTON'S ATTITUDE SINGLE

Dolly Parton is laughingly calling herself “Digital Dolly.” That's the name she gave herself when iTunes debuted her new single “Better Get To Livin’” a few weeks ago. The singer-songwriter says the tune stems from a conversation she had with co-writer, Kent Wells, told her she needed to pen a tune about her attitude. Dolly notes that so many people ask her about her secret to success that she decided he was right. Parton explains, quote, “I think life has always been a pressure cooker and people react to whatever pressures they’re under at the time according to their tolerance level and mental attitude.” She adds, quote, “This song says some things to let people know they’re not the only ones in that fix.” “Better Get To Livin'” is from Parton's upcoming album “Backwoods Barbie,” which is due in stores after the first of the year.

SARA EVANS HIT TOPS ITUNES COUNTRY VIDEOS LIST

Sara Evans' clip for her hit “As If” is the number one country video available at iTunes. “As If” is the first single from her upcoming “Greatest Hits” album. Sara co-wrote it with Hillary Lindsey and John Shanks. The album features four new songs, all of which Evans had a hand in writing. The hits on the disc include “No Place That Far,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Real Fine Place to Start.” Evans' “Greatest Hits” covers her ten-year career. The CD will be released on October 9th.

CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON TO PLAY HISTORIC NASHVILLE BENEFIT

Carolyn Dawn Johnson is helping Belle Meade Plantation continue to be a viable historic part of Nashville. The singer is joining songwriters Tim Nichols and Rivers Rutherford in performing for the Carriage House Music Series on September 26th. The show will take place in the actual carriage house of the old plantation. The evening will feature a southern-style meal from the legendary Loveless Café. The last concert in the Carriage House series will include sets from Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson and country legend Jimmy Dean on October 17th. That night the second annual Bill Anderson Heritage Award will also be presented. A number of surprise guests are expected to make appearances.

COUNTRY STARS MARK SALES ACHIEVEMENTS

Joe Nichols, Sara Evans, and Big & Rich can celebrate sales accomplishments. The Recording Industry Association of America announced Tuesday that Nichols' “Man With a Memory” and Evans’ “Real Fine Place” have achieved Platinum status, indicating sales in the U.S. have reached the one-million mark. Meanwhile, Big & Rich's “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace” has been certified Gold for sales of 500-thousand copies.

QUICK BITES

Travis Tritt has a duet on singer-songwriter Larry Cordle’s new album “Took Down and Put Up.” Tritt contributes to “Rough Around the Edges,” a song of Larry’s that he recorded back for his CD “No More Looking Over My Shoulder.”

Lee Greenwood is re-releasing his CD “Inspirational Songs.” The eleven-track album includes the songs “Amazing Grace” and “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Trick Pony's Keith Burns and Ira Dean introduced their newest addition, lead singer Aubrey Collins, to the staff at the Country Music Association. The trio showed up and gave what they termed a “hyper-energized live performance” for the entire staff.

Emerson Drive’s lead singer Brad Mates has been selected to participate in the Nashville business leaders' Power Lunch, a benefit for the Nashville Opera. The event gives bidders the chance to get advice from some of the most successful people in Nashville. More information about the event is available online at www.nashvillepowerlunch.com.

The CMA Songwriters Series returns to New York City tonight with “Joe’s Pub in the Park.” Tunesmiths Bob DiPiero, Gretchen Peters, Rivers Rutherford and Victoria Shaw will perform. These writers have penned hits for such stars as George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill ,and Garth Brooks.

Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow and Brenda Lee were on hand Tuesday night to honor Country Music Hall of Famer Frances Preston. She received the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award.

Big Country Notes for Sept 19

REBA MCENTIRE BRINGING “DUETS” TO TV

Reba McEntire is appearing on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" today in support of her new CD “Reba Duets,” and she's bringing a couple of her collaborators with her. Kelly Clarkson and Justin Timberlake will also be on hand to sing their songs with Reba. Kelly's track, a remake of her hit "Because of You," served as the CD's lead-off single, while Reba and Justin teamed up for a Celtic love song called "The Only Promise That Remains." Reba's promotional blitz continues tomorrow with appearances on ABC's “Good Morning America” and “The View.” Next week Reba and Kelly will make another appearance together, on CNN's “Larry King Live” on Monday. Meanwhile, Reba has tapped duet partner Vince Gill for a performance on NBC's “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” next Tuesday.

KENNY CHESNEY SAYS TIM MCGRAW SHOULD HAVE CMA NOD FOR ENTERTAINER

Kenny Chesney says he wants to remain CMA’s Entertainer of the Year again this year. But that doesn’t stop the singer from expressing his belief that his competition should include pal Tim McGraw. Chesney tells “The Tennessean,” quote, "Tim has a lot of passionate fans out there, and I'm one of them." He also notes that Tim and his wife Faith Hill have created musical history in the past two years with their “Soul2Soul” tours, which he thinks might be more significant than accomplishments of others who are nominated for the award. Chesney adds, quote, “If I had the career he had and wasn't nominated, it would bother me." Kenny also admits that he’d love to be named the CMA Entertainer of the Year three more times, but acknowledges, quote, “the odds of me keeping the pedal down that long aren’t good.” But he contends that win or lose, he has loyal fans who'll remain enthusiastic for his music. The other nominees for this year’s CMA Entertainer of the Year are Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, and Keith Urban. The 41st Annual CMA Awards will be presented in a ceremony in Nashville and air on ABC on November 7th.

GARY ALLAN SAYS NEW VIDEO REFLECTS HIS LIVE PERFORMANCE

Gary Allan says he loved his new single “Watching Airplanes” the first time he heard it. He just shot the video for the tune, opting for a performance version instead of an interpretation of the song. The clip was filmed at four concerts – at Red Rocks near Denver, Colorado; in Austin and Fort Worth, Texas; and in St. George, Utah. Allan says he’s never made a performance video before, and he wanted to let folks who haven’t seen him in concert get a glimpse of the type of performance he gives. Allan has been on the road all summer. This fall he’ll be the opening act for Keith Urban in 20 cities. The first show is set for Columbus, Ohio on November 1st.

DIERKS BENTLEY MAY FIND NEW FANS IN SAHARA DESERT

Free and easy down the road he goes -- to the Sahara Desert? Dierks Bentley says he’s been invited to perform in the West African country of Mali at its legendary Festival in the Desert. The annual event is set in the dunes of the Sahara, several hours by car away from the nearest town of Timbuktu. It attracts talent from around the world. Dierks would be the first country artist to perform there. He was invited by singer/songwriter and musician Vieux Farka Toure [[Vo Far-ka Tori]] when the two taped a show for “Mountain Stages.” Dierks says, quote, “You come in by camel. It’s crazy and it’s insane, but I’d love to do it.” Bentley will have to work through a lot of red tape to make the festival appearance a reality. Mali's Festival in the Desert will take place from January 10th through the 12th.

LEANN RIMES IN THE DUET BUSINESS

LeAnn Rimes is getting a lot of experience singing with others. She recently collaborated with Reba McEntire on “When You Love Someone Like That,” which is on the just-released CD “Reba Duets.” In addition, on LeAnn's upcoming album “Family” CD, she teams up with blues singer Marc Broussard on “Nothin’ Wrong,” which they wrote with Blair Daly. She recorded with New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi. LeAnn says she enjoyed singing with band frontman Jon Bon Jovi, noting, quote, “He has such a great work ethic and he knows what he wants.” Rimes says she and Jon were actually in the studio together to record "Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore," which is on the rock group's latest disc “Lost Highway.” LeAnn explains that while Bon Jovi had already laid down his vocals, he wanted to be in the studio with LeAnn because he had a definite idea of what he wanted her to do with the song. Rimes’ “Family” is due in stores on October 9th. It features the Reba and Bon Jovi duets as bonus tracks.

RANDY OWEN SAYS HE AND JOHN RICH GOOD MATCH FOR HIS NEW ALBUM

Alabama's Randy Owen says he didn’t know Big & Rich's John Rich very well when it was suggested they work together on the singer’s first solo album. So before they teamed up Owen did a little homework. He tells “The Tennessean” that he went to see Big & Rich perform, then spent time with Rich to see if they were compatible. He notes that he discovered, quote, “there wasn't much space between Alabama in 1980 and Big & Rich in 2007.” Rich also admits to the newspaper that he was somewhat nervous when he was asked to be Randy’s producer, calling it “an intimidating request.” He adds that he believes he's doing a good job on the project, but describes it as, quote, “a big responsibility."

QUICK BITES

Eric Church has invited members of his fan club, the Church Choir, to help plant trees in Lions Park in Raleigh, North Carolina on September 29th. Church will perform an acoustic set for those who participate. This is the fourth “Tree Choir” event for the singer, who is one of the few country artists implementing green initiatives on the road. He launched the program over the summer in Nashville. He's also hosted tree-planting events in Detroit and Chicago.

Big & Rich is likely a big part of the wedding memories of three pairs of newlyweds. The duo performed their number one single "Lost In This Moment" last Saturday during a three-couple wedding at Fontanel in Nashville.

Jack Ingram will participate in a Grammy in the Schools event during a tour stop in Lubbock, Texas on Monday. The singer will host approximately 30 students during Verizon’s SoundCheck. The students will watch the set-up process, participate in a question and answer sessions, take part in an autograph session and meet and greet, and attend the concert.

Taylor Swift says making the video for her new single “Our Song” was awesome. She notes that she had two dresses custom made for the shoot. It’s also the first clip that includes her band. Meanwhile, an exclusive version of Swift’s breakthrough hit, “Tim McGraw,” is available for a limited time as an OTA download via Sprint.

Big Country Notes for Sept 18

FIRST CMA AWARD SHOW PERFORMERS REVEALED

Kenny Chesney, George Strait, and Martina McBride are among the first confirmed performers for the upcoming 41st Annual Country Music Association Awards. Other stars who've signed on include Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts. Chesney, the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, is once again vying for the event's top honor, along with Strait, Urban, and Rascal Flatts. Strait leads the pack, entering the competition with bids in five categories. McBride is a four-time nominee. Urban's also looking to take Male Vocalist for a fourth straight year, while Rascal Flatts could walk away with its fifth consecutive Vocal Group of the Year title. The 41st annual CMA Awards will be presented in a ceremony in Nashville, and air live on ABC on November 7th.

FAITH HILL MAKES THE CUT TO SING WITH REBA

Reba McEntire says “Duets” partner Faith Hill, who's now one of her best friends, once auditioned to be one of her backup singers. While Hill didn't get the job, Reba contends it's because the younger vocalist was destined for greater things. Despite the rejection early in her career, Hill notes that she was thrilled to be asked to contribute to McEntire's album. They sing “Sleeping With the Telephone,” which they cut in the studio together – a practice that typically doesn't happen anymore for such recording projects. “Reba Duets” also features collaborations with Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn's Ronnie Dunn, Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, and Trisha Yearwood, as well as Don Henley, Carole King, and Justin Timberlake. The first single, “Because of You,” features Kelly Clarkson. “Reba Duets” will be in stores today.

GARTH BROOKS TO PERFORM AT “THE DREAM CONCERT”

Garth Brooks is showing his support for recognition for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in our nation's capitol. The country superstar, who included King in his video for the song “The Dance,” will take part in “The Dream Concert” -- a fundraiser for the development of a memorial in Washington, DC for the slain civil rights leader. Other artists scheduled to appear include veteran artists Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Carlos Santana; R&B singers John Legend, Usher, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, and Robin Thicke; rappers Ludacris and Wyclef Jean; gospel duo Bebe and Cece Winans; and opera star Jessye Norman. The show is slated to take place at Radio City Music Hall in New York tonight. The King Memorial is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

LEANN RIMES AND HUSBAND CONSIDERING KIDS

LeAnn Rimes says she and hubby Dean Sheremet talk about having kids often. She tells “Redbook” that they also know that there's a lot of responsibility involved in being a parent. The singer notes that they both love children, and she’s even considered adopting. Rimes explains, quote, “We wake up some mornings and ask ‘what would we do if we had a kid. How would we work this?’” She says they recognize LeAnn's career will keep her away from home, and agree that Dean would likely be the one handling the child care while she's on the road. She adds that they've been trying to figure out just when will be the best time for them to make such a change in their lives.

TAYLOR SWIFT HELPS LAUNCH “DELETE ONLINE PREDATORS” IN TENNESSEE

Taylor Swift is taking steps to help protect kids. She and Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen will be spokespeople for “Delete Online Predators.” The new statewide public education campaign is designed to combat Internet crimes against children. Swift says she knows it's fun to surf the web and chat with friends online, but notes that young people need to be smart and keep themselves safe while using the Internet. The campaign will distribute Internet safety information and materials to parents and middle school students in Tennessee. More information is available about the program from the website www.deletepredators.com. Plans call for the site to be updated with information about Internet crimes and safety efforts in Tennessee and across the U.S.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY WILL BE ON NBC’S “LAS VEGAS” SEASON PREMIERE

Montgomery Gentry is saying “Hell Yeah” to “Las Vegas.” The duo will be featured on the season premiere of the NBC drama. The fifth season two-hour debut will feature a performance segment with Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry . The episode will also include James Caan's exit, introduce Tom Selleck's character as the casino's new owner, and resolve all the cliffhangers from last season’s finale. “Las Vegas” will launch its new season on NBC on September 28th.

KENNY ROGERS TO BE HONORED BY ASCAP

Kenny Rogers is slated to receive another honor. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers will present the singer with its Golden Note Award during the 45th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards ceremony in Nashville on October 15th. The award is presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous country honorees include Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Christian singer Michael W. Smith, while R&B legends Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones have also earned the award. The invitation-only gala will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed country songs of the year.

QUICK BITES

Reba McEntire will be a guest on the syndicated “Oprah Winfrey Show” tomorrow. She'll perform material from her new album, “Reba Duets,” with Kelly Clarkson and Justin Timberlake.

Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Willie Nelson will honor Elvis Presley in the ABC special “Elvis, Viva Las Vegas,” airing tonight. The show commemorates the 30th anniversary of the singer’s death and examines how Presley’s career affected the Las Vegas entertainment industry.

Willie Nelson's reconsidering some of his recently cancelled shows in the Midwest. CMT.com says the singer received numerous inquiries about the scrapped concerts, which inspired him to rebook some of the dates. Nelson's schedule now has him in Kansas City, Missouri on Thursday; Lake Ozark, Missouri on Friday; and LaSalle, Illinois on Sunday. Other rescheduled shows include Sioux City, Iowa on September 25th and Rapid City, South Dakota on September 26th. However, Willie's September 23rd show in Bayfield, Wisconsin remains cancelled.

Clint Black will be bringing wife Lisa Hartman Black back to the stage once again. They'll team up for two songs -- “When I Said I Do” and the new duet “You Still Get To Me” -- during Clint's show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 4th. Lisa also joined Clint for a performance in Aurora, Illinois earlier this month.

Big Country Notes for Sept 17

REBA MCENTIRE NAMED BILLBOARD WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Reba McEntire will be honored with the first “Billboard Woman of the Year” award on October 5th. Reba will deliver the keynote address at the breakfast, which will recognize the top 20 female executives in the music industry. They will be featured in “Billboard” magazine's second annual Women In Music issue on stands that day. McEntire says she's thrilled to be selected as Woman of the Year by the publication. She says, quote, “Although my career has taken me to TV, film, and Broadway, music is and always will be my first love.” The award was established to recognize extraordinary women in the music industry who have made significant contributions to the business. The women must also have inspired future generations of women to take on increasing responsibilities within the field. McEntire’s influences on all genres of music are evident on her upcoming album, “Reba Duets,” which will be released tomorrow. Among the women Reba recorded with for the collection include country stars Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, and Trisha Yearwood, as well as young pop star Kelly Clarkson and veteran singer-songwriter Carole King.

KENNY CHESNEY SAYS HIS SINGLE “DON’T BLINK” KEY TO NEW CD
Kenny Chesney is crediting his single “Don’t Blink” for helping to pull his album together. He calls the track one of the best songs he’s ever heard in his life, noting that it speaks to him and where he is in life right now. Kenny says he has worked hard to get to this point in his career, but he realizes that he needs to take some time for his personal life as well. “Don’t Blink” is from Chesney’s new disc “Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates,” which was released last week.

LEANN RIMES REFLECTS ON HER MARRIAGE

LeAnn Rimes says she and her husband Dean Sheremet have, quote, “a wonderful relationship.” The singer was only 19 when they got married, and she tells “Redbook” that they have, quote, “really grown up together.” Rimes says Dean is a good balance for her, explaining that when they met she was very uptight about her career. She describes Dean as “so much fun,” noting that unlike her, quote, “he grew up with a normal childhood and was goofball.” But like her, Dean also comes from a broken home, so LeAnn says it’s important that when they have kids they give their children a stable environment. She adds that they're waiting to start a family so, quote, “we’ll have been married long enough to have such a great base.” The interview with LeAnn is in the October issue of “Redbook,” which is on news stands now.

MARTINA MCBRIDE'S “HOW I FEEL” SHOWS HER WRITING TALENTS

Martina McBride's latest single is one of many songs she's sung over the years, but one of the first that she's also had a hand in writing. She decided to delve into the craft within the last year or so, and teamed up with Brett and Brad Warren to try to write some songs. They came up with three songs, including her latest single “How I Feel.” In addition, all three tunes are included on McBride's latest album “Wake Up Laughing.”

RASCAL FLATTS MEETS JAMIE FOXX IN STUDIO, BASKETBALL COURT

Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox and actor Jamie Foxx have been friends for a long time. Apparently that friendship is a strong one because “The Tennessean” reports that Foxx can really slam the guys when it comes to playing basketball. When he was in Nashville recording “She Goes All The Way” for the group’s upcoming album, he walked away with an extra 500-dollars in his pocket after an afternoon on the court. LeVox says Foxx has a particular technique, which he's seen time after time. He explains, quote, “He gets you out there and starts betting on three-point shots and who can make five in a row. Then he starts cracking jokes and you’re laughing so hard you can’t concentrate on the game.” Rascal Flatts new album "Still Feels Good," which will be released on September 25th.

JOHNNY CASH TO BE PARDONED FOR MISSISSIPPI FLOWER PICKING

Johnny Cash is a legend in Starkville, Mississippi. He was arrested there 42 years ago, and spent the night in jail for allegedly picking flowers in someone’s yard after a show. He went on to write “Starkville City Jail” about the incident. Now the city of Starkville is ready to forgive the late country star. Officials will pardon the singer at the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival, which will take place form November 2nd through the 4th. Marty Stuart will headline the event. Stuart, who was in Cash’s band and was a close friend, says it’s an honor to be asked to play at the 1st Annual Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival.” He says he's looking forward to being back in his home state and he assures authorities he won't be following in Cash's footsteps by picking flowers. City, county, and state officials will issue symbolic pardons to Cash’s family during the festival.

MINDY MCCREADY GETS JAIL TIME FOR PROBATION VIOLATION

Mindy McCready will be spending some extra time behind bars. According to TMZ.com, McCready, who was already in jail following a July arrest, was ordered to immediately begin serving one year for violating her probation from a previous case. The 31-year-old was arrested in Florida in July after police responded to a domestic dispute call allegedly involving the singer and her mother. She only had a few months left on the probation she was serving for a conviction on a prescription drug charge in 2004. McCready must now also serve an additional two years probation and perform 200 hours of community service.

QUICK BITES

Blake Shelton has lost a member of his family. His uncle, Dempsey Byrd, was killed when struck by a car as he was walking down a street in Blake’s hometown of Ada, Oklahoma. The singer canceled his Saturday show in Arrington, Virginia so he could spend the day with his family and attend the funeral service.

Tim McGraw has a cameo role in the upcoming action thriller “The Kingdom.” The singer plays Aaron Jackson, an oil worker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, whose wife is killed when a terrorist bomb goes off in the compound. The movie will be in theaters September 28th.

Sugarland is busy rehearsing for “CMT On Tour 2007: Sugarland – Change.” The trek, which also features Little Big Town and Jake Owen, kicks off September 27th in Charleston, South Carolina. In other Sugarland news, the duo – who just made an appearance with Elmo on “Sesame Street” -- will now be on “Yo Gabba Gabba.” Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Christian Bush will teach a dance called “The Electric Eel.” The airdate for the show will be announced soon.

Chuck Wicks debut single “Stealing Cinderella” is the best new artist launch at country radio for 2007. On September 10th Wicks’ song landed at number 42 on the “Billboard” country chart and number 43 on the “Country Aircheck” chart. Wicks co-wrote the single with Rivers Rutherford and George Teren. He says it’s a true story about him and his girlfriend. Wicks is also featured in the new Fox docu-drama, “Nashville,” which made its debut Friday night. He has an on-going role as the new country singer with a record deal.