HAPPY 79TH WILLIE!!

(photo from willienelson.com)

CMT'S BIG NEW MUSIC WEEKEND

Lot's of new videos will debut this weekend.

Lady Antebellum - "Perfect Day"
Lee Brice - "Hard 2 Love"
Kix Brooks featuring Joe Walsh - "New To This Town"
Thompson Square - "Glass" (a new version)
Easton Corbin - "Lovin' You Is Fun"
David Nail - "The Sound Of a Million Dreams"
Dustin Lynch - "Cowboys and Angels"
Aaron Lewis - "Endless Summer"
JT Hodges - "Goodbyes Made You Mine"
Thomas Rhett - "Something To Do With My Hands"
Sonia Leigh - "Bar"
Casey James - "Cryin' On a Suitcase" (a live version)

We'll also see newest videos by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Eric Church, Taylor Swift & The Civil Wars, Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw, and Martina McBride & Pat Monaham of Train.

MIRANDA LAMBERT IS BEAUTIFUL

Of course she is.  But now it's "official."  LOL

People Magazine's list of the Most Beautiful Women hits the newsstands tomorrow and Miranda finds herself in the top 10 - edging out a princess!

(from sacbee.com)

Here's the Top 10

1. Beyonce
2. Sofia Vergara
3. Charlize Theron
4. Lily Collins
5. Madeleine Stowe
6. Christina Hendricks
7. Michele Williams
8. Paula Patton
9. Miranda Lambert
10. Kate Middleton

KEITH URBAN WAXED

Madame Tussauds wax museum opened in Sydney, Australia last week and that means they had to feature Keith Urban and wife Nicole Kidman.  Also immortalized in wax are Hugh Jackman, Crocodile Dundee, Guy Peace, and Miranda Kerr (to name just a few).

It takes 60 artists 800 hours to create one figure - which costs around $220,000!

Here's Keith's - which looks pretty good!

(photo from thetelegraph.com)

Click here to see Nicole.

HOT CELEBRITY COUPLES

Zimbio has put out a list of the "100 Hottest Celebrity Couples of 2012."  The list was based on "success, attractiveness, popularity and staying power."

Beyonce & Jay-Z are #1.  Many country stars made the list.

#24 - Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban
#28 - Faith Hill & Tim McGraw
#39 - Carrie Underwood & Mike Fisher
#47 - Katherine Heigl & Josh Kelley
#50 - Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton
#52 - Julianne Hough & Ryan Seacrest
#96 - LeAnn Rimes & Eddie Cibrian

2012 CMT MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES

They were announced this morning on NBC's Today show.  Little Big Town was there.

You can start voting today at CMT.com or on your mobile device from m.cmt.com

The show will be Wednesday June 6th on CMT and CMT.com.

2012 CMT MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
     Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director.  Final nominees announced during the live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show

• Jason Aldean - "Dirt Road Anthem"
• Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter - "You and Tequila"
• Toby Keith - "Red Solo Cup"
• Lady Antebellum - "We Owned the Night"
• Miranda Lambert - "Over You"
• Brad Paisley with Carrie Underwood - "Remind Me"
• Rascal Flatts featuring Natasha Bedingfield - "Easy"
• Blake Shelton - "God Gave Me You"
• Taylor Underwood featuring The Civil Wars - "Safe & Sound"
• Carrie Underwood - "Good Girl"

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
     Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

• Jason Aldean - "Dirt Road Anthem"
• Luke Bryan - "I Don't Want This Night To End"
• Eric Church - "Drink In My Hand"
• Toby Keith - "Red Solo Cup"
• Blake Shelton - "God Gave Me You"
• Keith Urban - "Long Hot Summer"

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR

     Best video by a female artist, awarded to the artist

• Sara Evans - "My Heart Can't Tell You No"
• Miranda Lambert - "Over You"
• Martina McBride - "I'm Gonna Love You Through It"
• Kellie Pickler - "Tough"
• Taylor Swift - "Ours"
• Carrie Underwood - "Good Girl"

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
     Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

• Eli Young Band - "Crazy Girl"
• Lady Antebellum - "We Owned the Night"
• Pistol Annies - "Hell On Heels"
• Rascal Flatts - "Banjo"
• The Band Perry - "All Your Life"
• Zac Brown Band - "Keep Me In Mind"

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR

     Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

• Love and Theft - "Angel Eyes"
• Montgomery Gentry - "Where I Come From"
• Sugarland - "Tonight
• The Civil Wars - "Poison & Wine"
• Thompson Square - "Glass" 
• Thompson Square - "I Got You"

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
     Best video from an artist's major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)

• Lauren Alaina - "Georgia Peaches"
• Brantley Gilbert - "Country Must Be Country Wide"
• Hunter Hayes - "Storm Warning"
• Scotty McCreery - "The Trouble With Girls"
• Pistol Annies - "Hell On Heels"
• Thompson Square - "I Got You"

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR

     Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)

• Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter - "You and Tequila"
• Brad Paisley with Carrie Underwood - "Remind Me"
• Rascal Flatts featuring Natasha Bedingfield - "Easy"
• Lionel Richie with Shania Twain - "Endless Love"
• Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars - "Safe & Sound"
• Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffet - "Knee Deep"

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

     Music performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (indivdual, group or duo)

• Jason Aldean - "Tattoos On This Town" from 2011 CMT Artists of the Year
• Lady Antebellum - "Dancin' Away With My Heart" from 2011 CMT Artists of the Year
• Little Big Town - "Fix You" from Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert
• Blake Shelton - "Footloose" from Blake Shelton: Invitation Only
• Sting and Vince Gill - "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You" from CMT Crossroads: Sting and Vince Gill
• Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood - "Just a Dream/Dream On" from CMT Crossroads: Steven Tyler & Carrie Underwood from the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam

I'M OFF THIS WEEK

(from goodbyecrutches.com)

If only I was doing something fun.  But I will be painting.

(from house-painting.com)

My blog will be back next week!

BENEFIT SONG OUT TODAY

Remember Billy Gilman?  He has co-written a song called "The Choice."  The song is a collaboration of artists voices each singing a line or two and benefits Soles-For-Souls.   The charity provides shoes for kids and adults in need around the world.  Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, LeAnn Rimes, Rodney Atkins, Montgomery Gentry, Amy Grant, Steve Holy, Wynonna, Richie McDonald, Vince Gill, Ronnie Milsap, Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler, Diamond Rio, Randy Travis and Josh Turner all lend their vocal talent to this wonderful single which is available today.

SUGARLAND DEPOSITIONS

Right now Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are giving depositions about the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair last year (that footage still takes my breath away).  The collapse, caused by high winds moments before Sugarland were set to take the stage, killed seven, and injured dozens.


Jennifer and Kristian have issued the following statement:


"In all the back-and-forth between the lawyers, the suggestion's been made that we've somehow been trying to avoid having to answer questions about last summer's terrible tragedy. This is simply not true. There is no one who wants to get to the bottom of what happened more than we do, which is why we're ready, willing, and able to give these depositions today and tomorrow. The judge has put limits on what can be discussed, but within those limits, we intend to be as honest and open as we can. We want all the facts to come out, not only for the sake of all the victims and their loved ones, but also so we can make sure that nothing like this ever happens again."

ACM PRESENTS: LIONEL RICHIE AND FRIENDS IN CONCERT

Going to be a good one tomorrow night!

The special will air on CBS and be filled with duets and solo performances.  Of course, these songs can be found on his fabulous new album Tuskegee (I can't stop listening to it).

So here's what I know as far as the performances go...(they are keeping some things secret so we will have some surprises)...
Solo (as in not with Lionel)
Jason Aldean - Say You Say Me
Luke Bryan - Running With the Night
Sara Evans and Marc Anthony - Endless Love (as we found out from his painful turn at the podium at the ACMs)
Martina McBride - Still (oooo that's a great choice)
The Band Perry - Penny Lover
Big & Rich - Brick House (yowza that is the right choice for that song!)
Lady Antebellum - Truly

Duets w/ Lionel
My Love - w/ Kenny Chesney 
Sail On - w/ Tim McGraw
Hello - w/ Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland
Stuck On You - w/ Darius Rucker
Dancin' On the Ceiling - w/ Rascal Flatts


Tickets for this event will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, which works to improve lives through music.

WE LOVE LADY A

Lady Antebellum is at the halfway point of their "Own the Night World Tour" and have officially sold over 750,000 tickets.  Dave Haywood says, "This tour has exceeded our expectations in every way.  Every day is new and exciting!  I really don't ever think the feeling of being a headliner will get old.  We can't wait to keep it rocking into summer and across the Atlantic and Pacific later this year."

(photo courtesy of mediagallery.usatoday.com)

BOOKS YOU SHOULD READ

The American Library Association has released its list of the Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2011.  Their Office of Intellectual Freedom received 326 reports regarding attempts to remove or restrict materials from school curricula and library bookshelves.

I've only read a few of these - but now I know I must read all of these to see what the fuss is about.  I will say that of the ones I've read their reasoning for pulling the books seem ridiculous.  Just because you don't like something doesn't mean that you have the right to make that decision for myself or my children.

So here's the list.

1. "ttyl/ttfn; l8r, g8r" (series) by Lauren Myracle (offensive language, religious viewpoint; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group)

2. "The Color of Earth" (series) by Kim Dong Hwa (nudity; sex education; sexually explicit; unsiuted to age group)

3. "The Hunger Games" (trilogy) by Suzanne Collins (anti-ethnic; anti-family; insensitivity; offensive language; occult/satanic; violence)  OK - what!  occult/satanic?  Are they getting that from Seneca Crane's movie beard?  How is it anti-ethnic or anti-family?  These people are totally missing the point of these books!

4.  "My Mom's Having a Baby! A Kid's Month-by-Month Guide to Pregnancy" by Dori Hillestad Butler (nudity; sex education; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group)

5.  "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie (offensive language; racism; religious viewpoint; sexually explicit; unsuited to age group)

6. "Alice" (series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (nudity; offensive language; religious viewpoint)

7. "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley (insensiviity, nudity; racism; religious viewpoint; sexually explicity)

8.  "What My Mother Doesn't Know" by Sonya Sones (nudity; offensive language; sexually explicit)

9.  "Gossip Girl" (series) by Cecily Von Ziegesar (drugs; offensive language; sexually explicity)

10. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (offensive language; racism) Yes, let's object to a book that is suppose to teach you how awful racism is because it features racism.  IDIOTS!

TRISHA'S SOUTHERN KITCHEN

This new series from Trisha Yearwood will debut on the Food Network on April 14th. The show invites us into her kitchen for her favorite meals, stories and visits from family and friends. Some of the themed shows will discuss the preparation of traditional dishes from her childhood, planning a baby shower, and a family reunion barbecue (yummy). She will also show us how to lighten up some of those deliciously fattening Southern recipes. The show was filmed in Nashville and will run for six episodes. Here are some of the dishes she will show us how to prepare: Daddy's Barbecued Chicken, Uncle Wilson's Famous Baked Onions, Chick-less Pot Pie and Sweet and Saltines. mmmmm - sounds so good.

JOHN FOGERTY'S NEW ALBUM

The former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman's upcoming album, Wrote a Song for Everyone will seem like just that. (Actually the title comes from a song on CCR's 1969 Green River album.)  The album features collaborations with Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson as well as rock artists like My Morning Jacket and Dawes.  The full list has yet to be revealed, but so far I know that the artists mentioned will be part of the project along with the Foo Fighters on "Fortunate Son" and Bob Segar singing on "Who'll Stop the Rain."  The album is set to come out sometime this fall.  Keep listening to find out when, and keep watching www.wxrocountrychart.blogspot.com too.

HAVE A BLESSED GOOD FRIDAY

(photo from chroniclesofhousehold6.blogspot.com)

NEW CMT SHOWS

Trinity 911 is set to debut later this year.  It's a 10-episode reality show that focuses on a small-town Texas police force.  It's suppose to be hilarious - is that what you want to see from a police force?  It sounds like it could be a real life Reno 911.

Another reality show their working on is called Cheer - it follows the high-stakes, high-pressure world of competitive cheerleading with coach Patty Ann Romero. Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will be the executive producers.  (Can we get a Sue Sylvester/Jane Lynch cameo stat?)

CMT will get animated with Bounty Hunters which will feature the voices of Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Larry the Cable Guy and Lisa Lampinelli.  The new series will debut in 2013 (I'll keep you up to date in the DVR Alert section to the left).  Jeff, Bill, and Larry will all be executive producers of the show.

HEY KRISTIN FABISCH!!

CRAIG MORGAN'S NEW PARTNER

Craig Morgan is working with Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry-leader in high performance sports optics, on a music download project to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation.  Craig has written and dedicated "What Matters Most" with all proceeds from the donation download being donated to Folds Of Honor. Bushnell also sponsors Craig's All-Access Outdoors TV show, and they will donate the first 10,000 song downloads.  Once the downloads have been used, it will be available for $1.00.  You can donate to Folds of Honor through the "What Matters Most" download platform.

Craig says, "This song is inspired by and dedicated to the millions of spouses and children who put their lives on hold while their loved ones risk everything to defend our freedom.  Each download will help Folds of Honor support the families of our courageous military heroes."

Folds of Honor was founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 pilot who served three tours in Iraq.  He wanted to make sure those left behind weren't alone.  Folds of Honor provides post-secondary education scholarships to children and spouses of service men and women killed or disabled while serving our country.

For more info go to www.whatmattersmost.foldsofhonor.org 

To learn more about Folds of Honor and the work it does with military families visit www.foldsofhonor.org

KENNY CHESNEY'S NEW ALBUM

Welcome To the Fishbowl drops on June 19th.  It's got some cool songs on it.

(photo from www.kennychesney.com)

1. Come Over
2. Feel Like a Rock Star - w/ Tim McGraw
3. Sing 'Em Good My Friend
4. Welcome To the Fishbowl
5. I'm a Small Town
6. El Cerrito Place
7. Makes Me Wonder
8. While He Still Knows Who I Am
9. Time Flies
10. To Get To You (55th and 3rd)
11. Always Gonna Be You
12. You and Tequila - live w/ Grace Potter

BELLAMY BROTHERS BOX SET

The Bellamy Brothers have released a 4-disc box set that you must own if you are a fan at all.  They've partnered with Reader's Digest for the release of "Let Your Love Flow: The Ultimate Bellamy Brothers Collection" (in stores now).

(photo courtesy of theboot.com)

You'll find music from the past, present, and future.  David Bellamy says, "One of the things we liked so much about this idea is that it encompasses a lot of eras of our career.  A lot of people have put out packages on us that feature 12 to 14 of the number ones of whatever, but this seems to take into effect a lot of the music we made after we started our independent label, and some of the newer stuff we've done in addition to the hits.  It's a pretty comprehensive package."  Sounds fantastic.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD'S "BLOWN AWAY"

The CD drops on May 1st and I have the track listing for you.  Carrie wrote or co-wrote more than half the songs, but she did give other songwriters an equal chance to make it on the album.

(photo courtesy of carrieunderwoodofficial.com)

1. Good Girl
2. Blwon Away
3. Two Black Cadillacs
4. See You Again
5. Do You Think About Me
6. Forever Changed
7. Nobody Ever Told You
8. One Way Ticket
9. Thank God for Hometowns
10. Good in Goodbye
11. Leave Love Alone
12. Cupid's Got a Shotgun
13. Wine After Whiskey
14. Who Are You

ACM #12

Taylor Swift wins Entertainer of the Year.  Awww - too bad Kevin couldn't make him.  She looks beautiful.  Growing up nicely.

Oh - here's the Blake & Lionel performance!  YAY!

ACM #11

Congrats to Thompson Square for winning the Vocal Duo award!  Well deserved even if the ACMs don't think so since they couldn't be bothered to broadcast it!

Luke Bryan singing "I Don't Want This Night To End."  Yes Luke, you are lookin' so damn hot! 

Yes - Blake wins Male Vocalist!

ACM's #10

OK - I'm going to say it - I don't like the wedding - I think it's just stupid - it's a gimick that the ACM's don't need.  I actually think it takes away from their wedding as they seem like a prop for the song. Sorry mom - I know you taught me to hold my tongue if I didn't have anything nice to say, but then what would the point of this blog be? I am happy that they have found love together though and I'm sure they are going to have a hell of a reception.

I will say that I think her wedding dress is beautiful, and that Martina and Pat sound lovely.

I love that blue dress of Reba's and her hair looks better down.

ACM #9

Ashton and "his band" were pretty hokey - don't give up your day job.

Female Vocalist = Miranda Lambert!  She's so sweet - look at that beautiful dress.

What a great intro from Blake - loved the Miranda Lambert Shelton!  How many people call him Mr. Miranda?  lol

So great with "Over You."

I can't believe that awesome intro that Bono just gave Dierks Bentley for "Home."  GREAT song Dierks!

ACM #8

"Banjo" with Steve Martin on the actual instrument with Rascal Flatts is pretty awesome!

Look it's Wayne Newton and Carrot Top with Toby.

Marc Anthony is a poser - he didn't belong there at all.  Sounded very uncomfortable trying to fit in.  Would have been better if he would have just been himself.  Totally screwed up that intro to Sara Evans wonderful version of "My Heart Can't Tell You No."

ACM #7

Scotty McCreery gave us a taste of his new song - which I have to practice saying as I screw it up every time - "Water Tower Town."  We live in one of those!

LOVE Brad Paisley's Camo shirt - can I get one for my honey?

Scotty wins New Artist!

ACM #6

I really wanted "Tomorrow" to win Single Record of the Year - but it went to Jason & Kelly with "Don't You Wanna Stay."

Now Lady A are singing my favorite song on Own the Night!  "Dancin' Away With My Heart."

ACM #5

Love Reba's black diamond dress - she looks like the night sky!

Congrats to Jason and Kelly for winning an award I finally picked correctly - Vocal Event of the Year with "Don't You Wanna Stay."  He sounds great on "Fly Over States."

I wish I could crank the ACMs but the honey is sleeping!

KISS intros Vocal Group!  Lady Antebellum wins!

Do you think that's really Peter Chris (the cat)?  He looked older in the '70s!

Brantley Gilbert sings a bit and now we have the wonderful Eric Church!

ACM #4

Blake's "Drink On It" = SMOOTH!

Album of the Year time = the one everyone wants to win!
  It's..."Four the Record."
Love the Lady A recognition!

Wondering if Stefani Bishop made Zac Brown Band's hat.

Now here's Hunter Hayes with his big debut single "Storm Warning."  Such a cutie pie - I would totally be crushing on him if I was 16.

I am loving "Here's Hope" with Little Big Town.

ACM Post #3

LL Cool J looks fine!  Salute to the military!  Yes!  Keith Urban with "For You."

I can't believe we haven't had a wardrobe change from Reba yet!

Man - this is a tough category - I don't know what I want to win "Song of the Year."

The winner = "Crazy Girl!"  Nice speech - sweet and to the point.

ACM Post #2

Loved Jennifer Nettles pretty pink dress! 

Oh, YAY! Zac Brown Band singing "Keep Me In Mind."

Love The Band Perry's name in lights.  They sound great with their new single "Postcard From Paris."

ACM #1

Carrie Underwood looking HOT and sounding GREAT with "Good Girl"  Love that mic stick!

Reba's dress is purty.  Sparkly red.

Oooo - didn't really like the Randy Travis joke.

LOL - Blake a "life support system for a mullet."

Alright - Blake use the "sacrifice a virgin" joke that I put up a week ago on Facebook.

Chris Young doing "Save Water Drink Beer."  WOOT!