Big Kenny Hosting "Help Haiti Live" Concert Tomorrow

Big Kenny says, "There's going be an event at the Ryman this weekend that I believe will be an event of the heart for many people. Not only great music, but a great, overwhelming experience of the heart..."

The "Help Haiti Live" benefit concert will support Compassion International's disaster relief fund for Haiti. Big Kenny is a longtime supporter for the charity which has been active in Haiti for decades. He says that because the organization has been there for so long they were able to do a lot for those in need right after the earthquake last month.

Big Kenny will perform as well as host. Other artists participating include Alison Krauss and Union Station, Jars of Clay, and Mat Kearney. All net proceeds from the show will go to Compassion International's Haiti disaster relief fund.

The concerts will be streamed live at HelpHaitiLive.com

Did You Wear Black Today? Good! Now You Could Win!

Facebook is asking fans to post Johnny Cash photos and pictures of themselves wearing black. So get your camera out!

If you post your phot you will be eligible to win the five-disc Cash box set, "Unearthed," as well as his new studio album, "American VI: Ain't No Grave."

The lucky winner will be picked March 12th.

Early ACM Fan Voting Begins Today

We've been waiting, and now we can start voting.

We have until March 12th to vote on the "newbie" categories. After that, once the winners are announced we'll get to vote for Top New Artist.

You can vote at VoteACM.com - I'll have a link on the side for easy access.

The 45th annual ACM Awards take place in Las Vegas and air on CBS April 18th.

TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST
Luke Bryan
Jamey Johnson
Chris Young * Lezli's Pick

TOP NEW VOCAL DUO
Bomshel * Lezli's Pick
Joey + Rory
Steel Magnolia

TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP
Eli Young Band
Gloriana * Lezli's Pick
The Lost Trailers

VoteACM.com thru March 12th.

"The Blind Side" is Up for an NAACP Image Award Tonight

"The Blind Side" is in the running for Outstanding Motion Picture, and actor Quinton Aaron, who plays Baltimore Ravens rookie offensive lineman Michael Oher, is nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture. Sandra Bullock is up for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture. (one of these days maybe we'll see Tim's name in a nomination)

The 41st Annual NAACP Image Awards from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, and air on Fox tonight.

Another Country Star is Gonna Be a Daddy

Congrats to Luke Bryan and his wife Caroline. Their son Bo is going to turn 2 on Tuesday (same day as my bro :) and now Bo is going to be a big brother! Luke is not nervous! He says, "When you successfully brought one in the world, you are a little more confident in your ability to do it the second time."

Sounds like little Bo is adjusting to becoming a big brother. Luke says, "When he wants to play around and jump on Caroline we're like, 'You have to be careful. Mama has a baby.' And he'll put his finger on her belly and point and say, 'Baby.'"

So, are they gonna wait and have the biggest surprise you could possibly have? No. Lukes says he definitely wants to know 'cuz, "I'd lose too much sleep wondering otherwise!"

This baby, like James Otto's is due in August.

Jim as Captain America?

I just can't see my Jim from the Office as Captain America, but rumors are floating (HollywoodReporter.com) that John Krasinski is on the short list to play the iconic comic book hero.

Joe Johnston is set to direct.

The films plot? Steve Rodgers becomes a beacon of liberty and symbol of strength thru Captain America who comes about via an experimental serum.

Also on the short list? Carrie Underwood's ex Chace Crawford.

CMA Announces 2010 Country Music Hall of Fame Honorees

Ferlin Husky, Jimmy Dean, Don Williams, and producer Billy Sherrill will be recogonized as the newest inductees into the Country Music hall of Fame at the annual Medallion Ceremony later this year.

Due to a tie, Ferlin Husky and Jimmy Dean will both enter in the "Veterans Era Artist" category, with Don Williams entering the "Modern Era Artist" category, and Billy Sherril joins the "Non-Performer" category.

When announcing the inductees, CMA Board of Directors Chairman Steve Moore said, "These four gentlemen broadened country music immensely with their talents, exposing millions of fans around the world to our format. Their contributions to the genre and to popular culture are immeasurable, and we are proud to award them the highest honor in country music."

They are all reacting as you would expect. With dignity and excitement.

Ferlin Husky says, "I'd like to thank my Lord Jesus Christ for dying for me, saving my soul, and bringing me into the world as a country boy. And also, for giving me the talent to sing, entertain, and help convert millions around the world to Country Music. I'm still a country boy and proud of it. In the words of my close friend, the late Stringbean, 'I sure am glad I'm me!'"

Don Williams feels "extremely honored and overwhelmed," and calls it "unbelievable that CMA thought about me in this manner."

Jimmy Dean also says he feels "honored," adding, "it brought a huge grin to my face."

Producer Billy Shirrell says, "Anything I have ever accomplished would have been totally impossible without the help and support of the greatest songwriters and musicians in the world." Along with thanking those involved with his carrer he gave a nod to the late production legend Owen Bradley.

Congrats to James Otto

James and his wife Amy are expecting their first child in August. They've been married five years now. James told "People" he and Amy "are so excited and feel so blessed. I am overwhelmed with joy at the idea of becoming a father! This is truly going to be an amazing, life-altering experience."

As James will find out more and more - the timing isn't that great. He says, "That's the busiest touring season, part of the touring season of the year is, is like summer and late summer." But James does, "...plan to take like a week or two weeks off right around that area, so, you know I'd like to be there for the birth if I can, you know. Obviously I don't wanna miss that."

James self-titled album is going to be out later in the year.

Big Machine Signs Barbara Jean

Well, Melissa Peterman who played Barbara Jean on Reba McEntire's sitcom "Reba." You also might remember her as the host of two CMT shows, "The Singing Bee," and "CMT Comedy Stage."

She'll be making a comedy album and says, "I have always wanted to be a recording artist mostly because I really want a tour bus. I hear those things are a party on wheels." That, of course, was a joke, but seriously she adds, "The truth is I love what I do and to get a chance to share my stand-up with fans who haven't had the opportunity to see me live is very cool. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the BMR team and am so excited about releasing my first comedy CD on a label with such a great track record."

Melissa has been on the road this winter opening shows for the George Strait-Reba McEntire-Lee Ann Womack tour.

New I-Phone App from Kenny Chesney

It's FREE! Use the app to access concert photos, videos, studio footage, music, even purchase concert tickets. Kenny says, "It's a good way to put your songs and tour directly in your fans' hands."


Kenny took his time to create the right product the fans. He said, "I decided rather than be first, I'd take some time and create something that gives the fans the most comprehensive application we could create. And I wanted it to be free for them, just to say thanks for being part of all of this."

Kenny's iPhone app is available through iTunes

Garth Brooks Fans Won't Leave

It seems the fans couldn't get enough the night of February 12th and a full 15 minutes after Garth's show, after the house lights had gone up, a stagehand told Garth that the Encore Theater (at Wynn Las Vegas) was still full. When Garth looked (can't you just see him saying, "really?" and checking?), and saw everyone still there he played another 45-minute set (and from here on out every audience stays until they get the same :P) After, Garth said, "I've never seen anything like it in my career."

This venue, is of course, much smaller than Garth is use to. He says, "What you get back from stadiums and arenas are roars, you get back applause, you get back laughter. What you're going to get back here are individual voices you can hear. And you're going to have to deal with them."

Here are the dates Garth has coming up - after this weekend. Tickets go on sale this Saturday for his next run.

Garth Brooks at The Encore Theater At The Wynn Las Vegas
March 26, 27, 28
April 9, 10, 11
June 25, 26, 27
July 16, 17, 18
August 6, 7, 8

Brad Paisley on The Tonight Show

Brad will be the musical guest the first night that Jay Leno returns as host of The Tonight Show. Jamie Foxx and Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn will be the other guests.

The episode airs March 1st.

PopEater.com did a poll and I'm in the 34% who say "no way" will I be tuning in to Jay. (sorry Brad). So that means two-thirds will be.

You'll just have to let me know how the country artists are 'cuz I refuse to watch. I'm just gonna leave it at that. :P)

Wear Black for Cash Friday 2/26

I'm not talking about moola - I'm talking about The Man in Black - Johnny Cash.

Friday would have been his 78th birthday and there is a movement growing rallying fans to pay tribute to Johnny this Friday and wear black.

I'm gonna put this reminder up each day so you won't forget - 'cuz I certainly would without the reminder.

Sarah Buxton's 3D Video

Starting tomorrow you'll have a chance to become Sarah's virtual guitar player.

Her new 3D video really sounds cool.

Visit CMT.com to print a unique symbol that will bring "Outside My Window" into your lap. Simply hold it up to your webcam, and vola!

Go to www.sarahbuxton.com/ar and hold the symbol up to play virtual guitar for her.

I'm gonna have to try this with my laptop! I really should try and use that webcam.

ACM Nominess

Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton will announce the nominees live on CBS' "The Early Show" on March 2nd. Should be about 8:15 a.m. and then about 8:30 a.m. they'll be interviewed followed by Blake performing.

The 45th annual ACM Awards will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing live on CBS on April 18th.

Reba will once again host - it'll be her 12th year.

This, of course, does not include the Top New Artist category which will be chosen by the fans.

Credit Card Changes

Got a credit card or two? New rules go into effect on 2/23 that effect us. I found this nice breakdown on Yahoo and wanted to share it with you.

Especially helpful are the Exceptions, Caveats, and Loopholes. They'll try to get us if we're not careful.

I really like the rules for colleges - but be careful parents - you can be on the hook for your child's credit card as long as they have it if you are a co-signer!


Finance Charges, Interest-Rate Hikes and Notifications
• No rate increases for the first 12 months after opening an account.
• Rate increases can only be applied to new charges.
• Annual and application fees cannot exceed 25% of your initial credit line.
• No more double-cycle billing.
• A six-month minimum promotional-rate period.
• No more over-limit fees, unless the card holder opts in
.• No fees to make credit-card payments online or over the phone, unless you make a payment on your due date.
• Must give 45-day notice of pending rate or fee hikes or any other significant changes to credit-card terms.

Exceptions, Caveats, Loopholes:
• Rate hikes are allowed if you're more than 60 days late with a payment.
• Some banks have already found a way around the rate-hike issue, by increasing card users' regular interest rates to as high as 29.9% and then refunding a part of that rate for each month that the customer pays on time.
• Double-cycle billing, although prohibited, can technically still exist for credit cards that don't have grace periods.
• Issuers have been calling consumers asking them to opt in for over-limit fees in exchange for lowering that fee, says Chi Chi Wu, a staff attorney with the National Consumer Law Center, a consumer advocacy group. What they're not saying is that if people don't opt in, the transaction will be denied and they will not be charged over-limit fees in the first place, Wu says.

Billing Statements, Payments and Disclosures
• Billing statements must be sent 21 days before the due date.
• Your due date should be the same date each month.
• Payments are considered on time when received by 5 p.m. on the due date or the next business day after a holiday or weekend.
• Payments above the minimum must be applied to the highest-rate balance first.
• Each monthly statement must include information on how long it would take you to pay off your balance if you make minimum payments only and the total you'll pay, including interest and principal; and how much you need to pay each month in order to pay off your balance in 36 months and the total you'll pay, including interest and principal.
• Statements must also include a warning that by making only minimum payments you will pay more interest and it will take you longer to pay off your debt, as well as a toll-free number to call if you want to be referred to a credit-counseling service.

Exceptions, Caveats, Loopholes:
If you make a purchase under a "deferred-interest" plan (such as "No interest for six months," for example), the company may let you choose to apply extra amounts to the deferred-interest balance. Otherwise, for two billing cycles before the end of the promotional period, your entire payment must be applied to that balance. Carrying a "deferred-interest" balance is a risky proposition altogether, says Wu: Unless the balance is paid in full over the specified period, the company will charge all interest retroactively once the promotional rate expires. "We think deferred-interest plans should have been banned," Wu says.

College Students and Young Adults
• No credit cards for college students unless co-signed by a parent or they can demonstrate "ability to pay."
• No credit-limit increases if you are under 21 and have a co-signer without that co-signer's permission.
• No credit-card marketing and freebies on college campuses.

Exceptions, Caveats, Loopholes:
• Issuers will likely start appealing to parents to co-sign their children's credit cards. And the Federal Reserve has specified that issuers have the option of keeping the parent on the hook even after the young person turns 21, Wu says. "If that younger person keeps the credit card for 20 years, the co-signer is liable that whole time."
• Issuers are not allowed to give out freebies for signing up for a credit card on or near a campus -- which still allows them to set up shop near popular off-campus venues and offer freebies to everyone, whether or not they apply.

Garth or Vince to Replace Simon on Idol?

Simon Cowell is saying goodbye to Idol after this season and Kara DioGuardi is floating, what I think, is a good idea for replacing him.

Forget about Howard Stern (that's me), how about Garth Brooks or Vince Gill?

Kara DioGuardi told BuzzSugar.com "I can even see someone from the country world, maybe a Garth Brooks or a Vince Gill."

She has a very valid point too, saying, "I think a lot of people that love country music tune in; they're a large part of our audience, so I think that would be an interesting flip on it."

Country music does like Idol - Carrie Underwood is one of their hugest stars (if not their biggest). Then there's the gal who's coming to The Dodge County Fair this year Kellie Pickler, also Bucky Covington, Danny Gokey, and Phil Stacey.

I don't think John Rich would want to do it after his debacle with Nashville Star when it floated to NBC.

Country Top Sellers of the Last Decade

George Strait - check!
Shania Twain - check!
Taylor Swift - check!

The Recording Industry Association of America has listed the gold and platinum certifications from 2000 - 2009 and those three country stars do very well.

George has the most album certifications for solo male artists with 29.

Taylor has the most digital song certifications for a female solo artist with 25.

Shania Twain has the highest-certified album of any solo female artist for her 2002 CD "UP!" which was 11-times platinum. "Come On Over" doesn't count as it came out before 2000.


Who has the most total certifications - albums, digital songs, master ringtones, and music videos?
Beyonce = 64
The Eagles = 48
Michael Jackson = 44

CMT Crossroads With Kenny Chesney & Steve Miller

AWESOME!

That's what I think of this team up!

Kenny is very excited to do the show with Steve Miller, saying, "He's so down-to-Earth, so easy-going, you'd never know what a big star he is. Everything he's done...songs like 'Take the Money and Run,' 'Jet Airliner,' 'Fly Like an Eagle,' 'Livin' In the USA' and 'The Joker.' He's been on the road for four decades and he's just as good now, not to mention the way he can play a guitar! It is truly an honor to get to do this with him." (Wow - Kenny is gushing here :)

They have played together once before, in 2008, when Steve showed up at Kenny's San Francisco concert.

No air date yet - keep your eyes peeled to the DVR Alert section.

Faith Hill Guest Judge

Last week Faith filmed the season finale of "Project Runway" as a guest judge.

She went to the show's finale fashion event, reviewed the top three finalists, then joined judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia to pick the winner.

Faith said it was not easy. "All the designers were creative and imaginative. But there were some whose craftsmanship was impeccable. Designers by trade, are always capable of sewing their own clothing, but the tailoring that I saw was extremely impressive; a few in particular knocked me out. The passion that these individuals showed, and their eagerness to learn from feedback and criticism, should prove an inspiration for those that follow them."

No air date yet - keep your eye peeled to the DVR Alert section.

The OSCAR'S

Something different this year. The Best Song nominees will not be performing as they have in years past.

Instead, the songs will air from the films they are nominated for to "provide context." They will not run them together, but rather at different times throughout the show.

Why? Past song portions haven't faired well in the ratings, they are expensive and add to the overrun of the broadcast. (yeah, 'cuz it's not as if they know ahead of time how long each song is so they can adapt)

Nominess are:
"Almost There" and "Down in New Orleans" from "The Princess and The Frog" by Randy Newman
"Loin de Paname" by Reinhardt Wagner and Frank Thomas from "Paris 36"
"Take It All" by Maury Yeston from "Nine"
"The Weary Kind" by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett from "Crazy Heart."

Brad Paisley is AMAZING

"American Saturday Night" has become his 12th straight number one song - the 16th of his career.

He is now only second to Country Music Hall of Famer Sonny James with this accomplishment.

It all started with Dolly Parton's help. "When I Get Where I'm Going" reached number one in 2006, and the streak has included two more from "Time Well Wasted," then there were five from "5th Gear," one from "Play," and so far "American Saturday Night" has given us three counting the current title cut.

Sonny James' streak began in 1967 with "I'll Never Find Another You," and ended with 1971's "Here Comes Honey Again." Over his career he had 23 number one hits. I am willing to bet that Brad can at least tie this streak!

Congrats New Dad Justin Moore

Ella Kole arrived last Thursday at 12:29pm weighing 6 pounds eight ounces, and measuring 18 inches tall.

Justin says his wife and baby girl are "perfect," saying "Both are doing great. All I can say is, wow! It's the most unbelievable thing I've ever been through...so thankful."

Taylor's Up for More Awards - and Then Some

2/17 - Taylor lost out to Lady GaGa.

Taylor Swift is up for the UK's Grammy equivalent - a BRIT Award tonight. She's up for International Breatkthrough Act, going up against Lady GaGa and Animal Collective (all U.S. Acts). Empire of the Sun and Daniel Merriweather - both from Australia - are also up.

Taylor has performed several concerts in London and was part of BBC's Children in Need fundraiser last fall, and she's donated about $21,500 to that cause.


Taylor is also up for a 2010 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award on March 27th. She's up for Favorite Female Singer and Favorite Song for "You Belong with Me."

Miley Cyrus is up for four Kid's Choice Awards - Favorite TV Actress, Female Singer, Movie Actress and Favorite song for "Party in the USA."


Kids can vote for their favorites starting February 25th at Nick.com/Kids-Choice-Awards.

Kevin James will host the show.


And finally, Taylor has one of iTunes' most downloaded songs ever. "Love Story" takes eighth place, and is the only country track on the recently released list.

Happy Dance of Joy

The Amazing Race - SPOILER ALERT!!!

I literally jumped up and did a dance around my living room when Jeff and Jordan won the first leg last night!!!

Love them sooo much (it's kinda silly :P)

Team Big Brother all the WAY!!!!

Music to Support America's 2010 Olympic Athletes

The "AT&T Team USA Soundtrack"** is available now thru iTunes with all money raised thru March 1st going to Team USA.

Rascal Flatts contribute an Olympic version of "Unstoppable" and Joe Don Rooney says, "They wanted to change it more to an anthemic thing for the Olympics, not just about love, but about you being unstoppable."

Sugarland performs "Wide Open" for the CD.

Gloriana sings "The World Is Ours Tonight" with Mike Gossin saying, "To be able to team up with such amazing artists including Rascal flatts and Sugarland on this soundtrack and support Team USA and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games is an opportunity we are so grateful for. We hope it helps Team USA to win Olympic gold across the board!"

Also on board are Mariah Carey, 3 doors Down, Hoobastank, The All-American Rejects, and Puddle of Mudd.

**Seriously, even the album has to have a sponsor in it's title?

Sad News for Big Kenny

Back in January I told you that Big Kenny (of Big & Rich) was in Haiti looking for his friend Walt Ratterman, who was working in Haiti when the earthquake hit. Sadly, last week Kenny was told that the remains of Walt had been recovered.

Big Kenny has a memorial to Walt up on BigKennyTV.com.

Kenny does encourage fans to continue supposrting the relief efforts in Haiti, and to continue to help the efforts by his friends to supply renewable enegry to underdeveloped countrys by logging onto LoveEverybody.com.

We Are the World 25 for Haiti

Tonight the remake of the 1985 single will have it's world premiere during the Opening Ceremony of the vancouver Winter Olympics on NBC at 6:30pm.

You'll be able to download it from the official "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" website (WORLD25.org) and iTunes right after.

The country stars taking part are Sugarland, the Zac Brown Band's Zac Brown, and Julianne Hough. Some other stars involved are Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Heart, The Jonas Brothers, Gladys Knight, Oscar nominated actor Jeff Bridges, Barbra Streisand, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Wyclef Jean, actor Vince Vaugh and Carlos Santana.

The money raised will go to the new We Are The World Foundation. This organization was just established by producer Quincy Jones and singer-songwriter Lionel Richie (who produced and co-wrote the original song with Michael Jackson), Wyclef Jeanand director Paul Haggis (among others) to support charities and other relief efforts for Haiti. The We Are The World Foundation will decide which organizations are most in need, and then distribute the money. (which is prolly a really good thing as I seem to recall the first time around, in 1985, when the raised money for famine in Africa that the money was not distributed properly - this is just my recollection so I might be wrong)

Keith Urban's Guilty Pleasure

It's playing soft rock from the '70s and '80s on his piano at home. Keith is on the cover of the special People Country magazine (on newstands now). During the cover shoot for the magazine he played and sang REO Speedwagon's "Keep On Loving You" (I didn't realize this was soft rock!)

It's pretty cool to see - and you can see it on their website.

Want An Autographed Taylor Swift Guitar?

It's the guitar she played during the All for the Hall benefit concert last October, and fittingly, it is being auctioned to raise money for The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The guitar is emblazoned with the number 13 - Taylor's lucky number. The number 13 fits into the auctioning nicely as it goes up on the auction block Feb. 13th for 13 days (so til 2/26).

To bid go to CountryMusicHallOfFame.org.

Carrie Underworm

No that is not a typo. That is the name of a new Sesame Street character.

Carrie Underworm is a bright orange worm with long blonde hair.

She is utterly adorable. And yes she sings. Check her out singing the worm anthem here. (Warning - this is very CUTE!)

Sesame Street will be rerunning this show on March 17th, April 8th, and April 26th.

PUH-LEEEZEEEE!!!!

PETA is once again sticking it's beak into places it shouldn't. This time around it's The Zac Brown Band's Eat and Greets. See, ZBB offers up a nice BBQ for their fans instead of the traditional Meet and Greet (which, as many of you know, ironically, can be like cattle throu a shoot in some cases). Their pre-show Eat and Greets serve up a nice plate of beef and pork and all the fixins for the fans.

Well, PETA sent them a letter asking that they change the menu to Vegan friendly (and completely dump the meat!)

PETA writes "extend your love of freedom to animals by agreeing to partner with us on a veggie 'eat and greet' for your fans. In your song 'Chicken Fried,' you praise the simple pleasures of life-a cool drink, a home filled with love, enjoying the sunshine-all pleasures that are denied to the millions of cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals raised for food on factory farms every year. It's easier than ever to enjoy delicious, cruelty-free meals."

PETA is offering to send the Zac Brown Band "a basket of delicious, protein-rich faux meats" to use instead.

Here's the full letter from TheBoot.com.

Zac Brown Band has tweeted a response. It is BRILLIANT! (I knew I loved these guys!)
"Dear PETA -- Plants are living creatures too ... Bacon had a mother, but so did Pickle. It takes life to support life -- welcome to the planet."

I don't know about you, but I really want a T-shirt that says "Bacon had a mother, but so did Pickle."

Hollywood's Fab New Movie Ideas

Stretch Armstrong and Battleship! (Yes, my headline was a bit sarcastic!)

Taylor Lautner has been cast as Stretch Armstrong for Universal Pictures. It's gonna be in 3-D no less! (which, if it's the right kind of 3-D makes me maybe wanna see the movie)

In a statement to Access Hollywood, Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Lang said, "In the past two years, Taylor has emerged as a real star at the global box office. He brings the perfect balance of energy and athleticism to the role of an unlikely super hero with a fantastic super power. We couldn't be more pleased that he has agreed to be our Stretch."

It's scheduled to come out in 2012 so it shouldn't interfer with the other films he has in the works. Taylor's gonna be busy he's playing the title role in "Max Steel," "Northern Lights" and "Cancun." Then there's the final Twilight Saga movie "Breaking Dawn." Which could be two movies as they have not yet decided if they want to split it up (I say NO!)

And funniest of all - they are going to make a movie based on the Hasbro game Battleship! Gosh that cracks me up. But it's for real - Peter Berg is directing and it's coming out on a big movie weekend - Memorial Day weekend - May 25, 2012. I can't stop thinking "You sank my Battleship!" LOFL

Another Idol Goes Country

Season 8 American Idol finalist Alexis Grace has gone country. Or she will. She's hoping to release a country album by the end of the year. The funny thing is, even thou she covered "Jolene" for the show, I would never have imagined her as a country girl. I thought she was a rocker. LOL

Here she is in case you need a refresher on who she is.

Country Stars Act

Carrie Underwood is making her acting debut next month on the fabulously funny How I Met Your Mother (Monday nights at 7 on CBS). And now she is going to make her movie acting debut in Soul Surfer.

Do you remember the story from a few years ago about Bethany Hamilton, the young (13) surfer who lost her arm to a 14-foot tiger shark? She went on to win professional surfing contests just 19 months after surviving something that would have killed me from a heart attack!

A couple of weeks ago Kevin Sorbo let it slip on Twitter, but it's official now.

Anna Sophia Robb will play Bethany, Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid will play her parents, and Carrie will be a youth leader from Bethany's church.

Carrie is headed to Hawaii to start work on it this week. (man if I were her I would so be running over to the LOST set during all my free time just begging to be an extra. Seriously, guys, have me get killed by Smokey, a flaming arrow or something in the coming war!)

Taylor Swift (who has a part in Valentine's Day coming out next Friday) has expressed interest in having a part in Glee. She says, "I'm really loving Glee right now ... If it did happen, I'd love to see what they would do with me." Taylor has become friends with Cory Montieth (Finn) so she has someone who can keep whispering in the right peoples ears until it happens.

Hey Taylor, Vampire Diaries wants you as a vampire desperately, so call them and tell them your in - I think that would be fun, fun, fun!

We LOVE Shania!

I have been hearing nothing but love for Ms. Shania! People loved her as an American Idol judge, and some want her there permanent. And now people want her to represent her country (Canada) in the Winter Olympics. No she will not be singing for the Gold.

People.com asked "If you had to choose just one, which Canadian pop star do you want to see perform at the Olympic opening ceremonies?"

#1 - Shania (with 35% of the vote)
#2 - Celine Dion (with 34% of the vote)
#3 - Nelly Furtado (12%)
#4 - Avril Lavigne (11%)
#5 - Alanis Morissett (9%)

The Opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics is Feb. 12th on NBC.

Shania had the distinction of carring the Olympic Torch on the relay through her hometown of Timmins, Ontario on New Year's Day (with wind chills of 30-below) to Hollinger Park to light the town's ceremonial Olympic cauldron.

Wanna Meet Josh Turner?

Here's what you have to do.

Make a video of yourself (and whoever you want to be in the video with you) dancing to his new song "Why Don't We Just Dance."

Send it to MyOpry.com.

See, Josh has been hearing from fans who say they have actually been moving the furniture to dance (just like in the song). So he wants us to put our money where are moves are and show him.

Six finalists will be selected and fans will vote for a winner to recieve a trip to Nashville to meet Josh at the Grand Ole Opry later this year.

If you do send a video in, send it to me as well! I would love to post it here.

AWWWWW!!!!

A friend sent me an email with this adorable pictures. It has been very hot in Australia (over 100) and the Koalas, for the first time ever, have been so hot they have been asking for water, like they did with these bikers, and one showed up at a house for a drink and a bath. Sooooo sooooo cute!!

Tonight at 7pm!!!!

Who Got a Razzie Nomination?

The Oscar nominations are out. (sidenote - they expanded the Best Picture Category this year to 10 - and I've only seen 2 of them, Avatar and District 9 - so awesome that District 9 made it!)

Anyhoo - no surprise that Sandra Bullock got an Oscar nod for The Blind Side (maybe one of these years Tim McGraw), but The Blind Side is also in the Best Picture category.

Of course, each year, the night before the Grammy's are the Golden Raspberry Awards (the "worst" movies of the year). This year, a country singer is in the running for Worst Supporting Actor. Billy Ray Cyrus gets that 'honor' thanks to the movie "Hannah Montana: The Movie."

I have the utmost respect for a former Golden Raspberry winner - Miss Hallie Berry, who showed up and accepted her Golden Raspberry for Catwoman. Billy Ray, follow in those footsteps!

Grammy Ratings & Backstage Talk

They were the best the show has seen in five years. "Entertainment Weekly" said early Nielsen estimates have the broadcast Sunday night watched by 26.6-million.

Taylor Swift was a big winner at the Grammy's, and she has taken some flak for being played on pop radio, but backstage Sunday she said, "Genres have really become something that I don't think people focus on as much anymore. But country music is my love. Country music is absolutely going to be my home because of the stories that are told ... Growing up, my friends didn't listen to country music, but I did because I could identify with these stories so well."

One of the funniest moments (for me) came when Rapper T-Pain (who performed with Taylor on the CMT Music Awards - and correctly predicted that she would win the Grammy for Album of the Year) said he had his sites set on another country singer. "Next on my list is Carrie Underwood. I swear to God. Everybody else can suck it until I get to Carrie Underwood." ROFLMAO (not that I condone that language. heehee)

Dolly Parton Fan Art

Check out Dolly's website to see art that her fans have created in the media section. You guys can be pretty talented. I know Stefani is going to love some of the cakes! (thou they are too good to make it on the Cake Wrecks website).

Wanna send one of your own to Dolly? Send a photo of your Dolly inspired art to info@DollyPartonMusic.net.

President Obama's YouTube Q&A

It's a first! The video was posted Monday with the President taking questions from YouTube users via video and text (the questions were approved by other site visitors), and then Steve Grove, YouTube's news and political director (yeah, I didn't know they had that either) asked them.

Thought this was kind of interesting thing to do, and a great example of just how times they are a changin'.

2010 Grammy Fashions

I love, love, love this dress of Taylor Swift's - it was gorgeous from the back too. Not crazy about how she's posing thou.

I like this dress of Carrie Underwood's. The way her wrists stand out worries me some thou - they look like they could just snap off.

Lady Antebellum are just drop dead GORGEOUS! All of them!

Sugarland are looking nice! And Jen sounded great with Bon Jovi!

Keith and Nicole. Look closely to see a tattoo on Keith's chest! Not really crazy about Nicole's dress.

Grammy Winners

Taylor won 4 Grammy's last night, including Album of the Year making her the youngest ever to win that award. She turned in a performance with Stevie Nicks that is largely being panned as painful and most people feeling sorry for Stevie! I am hearing all kinds of great things across the vast world wide web about how terrific Lady Antebellum was with "I Run to You."

Your winners.

Album Of The Year/ Best Country Album:
"Fearless," Taylor Swift


Best New Artist:
Zac Brown Band



Best Female Country Vocal Performance:
Taylor Swift, "White Horse"


Best Male Country Vocal Performance:
Keith Urban, "Sweet Thing"

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal:
Lady Antebellum, "I Run To You"

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals:
Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis, "I Told You So"

Best Country Song:
"White Horse," Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

Best Bluegrass Album
"The Crow/New Songs For The Five-String Banjo," Steve Martin

Here's the Taylor/Stevie Nicks duet.


I have been hearing a lot of buzz about Pink's performance.