CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

The show will be back for a second year, with Jennifer Nettles, of Sugarland, once again hosting. Lots of our favorite artists will perform and share their favorite holiday memories. The program airs at 7pm on ABC December 1st (and isn't it shocking to think that is only a little over a month from now?!)

Performers

• Faith Hill
• Martina McBride
• Vince Gill & Amy Grant
• Kellie Pickler
• Darius Rucker
• Little Big Town
• Keith Urban
• Rascal Flatts
• Brad Paisley
• Scotty McCreery
• Lauren Alaina
• Sugarland

LONESTAR IS BACK TOGETHER!!!!

What a way to celebrate their 20th anniversary! Richie McDonald has rejoined the group! There will be a new album and a world tour in 2012! (no release date yet - but I'll let you know!)

Here's the statement Richie made. "Five years has come and gone since I left Lonestar. We've all tried other avenues and the fact remains that some things were just meant to be. With the Lonestar 20-year reunion approaching, Dean, Michael, Keech and I got together and have decided we have some unfinished business to take care of. I miss those crazy nights running around onstage making music with my band of brother."

Dean Sams (keyboardist) said, "We have so much more music to offer the country music fans, and truly feel they want us back on the radio and out on the road performing live for them. After a lot of soul searching and long conversations between all of us involved, we are energized and excited to be writing and recording new music together again!"

Drummer, Keech Rainwater added, "I think fans ultimately wondered if this was ever going to happen again, and it always seemed like the original Lonestar as a whole was better than the sum of its parts. (I wonder what John Rich - who was in the original Lonestar - feels about that statement.) I think that having a break for a while, will have sparked new ideas and great music, both live and in the studio."

Michael Britt says, "I'm proud of everything we've achieved in our career so far, doing things that not many bands have been able to do. But even after all that we've done, I think we still have a powerful drive to keep making music and doing new things."

Lonestar has sold more than 10 million albums since 1995 and have 10 number ones!

So what about the lead singer that took Richie's place? Cody Collins went on tour with Lonestar, and can be heard on their 2010 album Party Heard Around the World (and you can hear him on "Let Me Love You" on WXRO). The four reunited members of Lonestar wish him the best in his future musical endeavors. (I'm curious if/when we'll hear from Cody - who I thought was very talented).

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS

Country artists are up for several awards. This is just the preliminary batch of nominees that will be cut down soon. Vote for your favs at peopleschoice.com

Favorite Country Artist of the Year nominees

• Blake Shelton
• Brad Paisley
• Sugarland
• Jason Aldean
• The Band Perry
• Keith Urban
• Kenny Chesney
• Lady Antebellum
• Miranda Lambert
• Rascal Flatts
• Taylor Swift
• Zac Brown Band

Favorite Male Artist of the Year (all-genre - here are the country nominees)

• Keith Urban
• Kenny Chesney
• Blake Shelton

Favorite Female Artist of the Year (all-genre - here are the country nominees)

• Miranda Lambert
• Taylor Swift

Favorite Album of the Year (all-genre - here are the country nominees)

• Eric Church - Chief
• Lady Antebellum - Own the Night
• Blake Shelton - Red River Blue

COUNTRY DANCE 2

The set list for the video game has been released. Lots of good stuff. Like, Blake's "Honey Bee," Dierks "Sideways," Josh Thompson's "Won't Be Lonely Long," Luke Bryan's "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)," and "Better Life" from Keith Urban. You can get the game Nov. 1st.

JO DEE MESSINA IS...

Pregnant! Congrats to Jo Dee and her hubby Chris. They're expecting baby #2 - though no word on a due date. Jo Dee recently tweeted, "Our family is very excited. In a few months, Chris, Noah and I will be welcoming baby number-two."

ACM's BRING BACK SONGWRITERS AWARDS

The Songwriter of the Year category was first awarded to Roger Miller in 1965, but was discontinued. The Song of the Year always went to the Songwriters. Well, now, they are going to bring back the Songwriter award! Not sure if that means the Song of the Year is just getting a name change, or if we're getting one more award, so I'll keep you updated. As a songwriter girl, I'm very excited.

KEITH URBAN

He might be doing The Voice down under! The Daily Telegraph says that he has reportedly signed on for the Australian version of the show. Seal, Joel Madden and Delta Goodrem are also set to be coaches. Filming is expected to start early next year.