GEORGE STRAIT IS SEXY....DUH!

King George just turned 60 and he's still got it!  He is on the AARP's list of Men on Fire for 2012 - The 21 Sexiest Men Over 50.  A few other hunks on the list?  George Clooney, Jon Bon Jovi, Antonio Banderas and Denzel Washington.

(photo from georgestrait.com)

THANK YOU VETS. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!

(pix from scrapetv.com & politicalcartoons.com)

TIM McGRAW HELPS VETS

Homefront is the name of this nationwide program that will award mortgage-free homes to wounded warriors and service members in need.  He'll help someone at each concert stop this summer.  Homefront has partnered with Chase and Operation Homefront.  ACM Lifting Lives (which is the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music), and The Premiere Group on behalf of the North Carolina Furniture Manufacturers have made substantial contributions in support of the program.

Tim is also set to perform a special Memorial Day concert of remembrance and gratitude for service members at New York City's Beacon Theater during Fleet Week.  You can see the concert as it will be streamed live on YouTube.  It will also be streamed to military bases around the world on The Pentagon Channel.

Tim says, "My sister's a veteran of the first Gulf War.  My uncle was a Vietnam veteran, and my grandfather was a World War II veteran.  I've always felt a deep sense of respect and obligation to our troops.  Being able to reward them for their dedicated work with a new home will be even more rewarding for us.  It feels so good to give back to them, and to have the opportunity to entertain them on Memorial Day is something I'm honored to do."

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT

Trace Adkins will take part in this even that will air on PBS today.  It will be an all-star affair (of course), and feature not only Trace but also, Natalie Cole, Daughtry, General Colin Powell, Selma Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Dennis Franz and Russell Watson.

Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will host.

The 2012 National Memorial Day Concert airs live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

RASCAL FLATTS STAR FOR A DAY CONTEST

Here's a cool contest that the Flatts boys are doing.

They will give five lucky fans, and their guests, an opportunity for a private meet-n-greet, you'll get your own dressing room, have dinner backstage and receive a gift pack at each of their Changed Tour stops!

Two lucky fans will win a trip to the CMA Awards in Nashville!

Check out their website for details.  Or head over here.

HANK JR. SAYS THANKS

With a free download of his new single "That Ain't Good."

Why?  For surpassing the one million "LIKES" mark on Facebook!  Hank feels this is "the best way to celebrate."

He is working on the video.

Get it at hankjr.com through Memorial Day.

THERE'S ONLY ONE LUKE BRYAN ON FACEBOOK

One "Official" country star Luke Bryan that is.  It seems that some people are posting fake profiles claiming to be our favorite performer from the Dodge County Fair last year!

Luke posted this on his official Facebook page:  "Hey y'all, PLEASE SHARE THIS!  I just want to let everybody in on something.  There have been a lot of issues with fake Facebook profiles of me.  This is the only profile I use for correspondence.  I don't have a personal page.  If you are friends with another Luke Bryan, unfriend them and don't believe any of the messages."

If you want to LIKE Luke Bryan on Facebook - here's his official page link.
http://www.facebook.com/lukebryan

COUNTRY ARTISTS IN THE NATIONAL RECORDING REGISTRY

Every year 25 recordings from a variety of genres are chosen for their cultural, artistic and historical value to be entered into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

This year Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors," from 1971, will be added.  A press release says the song "affectionately recounts an impoverished childhood in the hills of Tennessee that was made rich by the love of her family."

Patsy Montana's "I Want To Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" will also be added.

And a side non-country note that makes me smile.  A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack has also been added.

DUETS TONIGHT

The new singing reality show debuts on ABC tonight at 7pm.

Duets pits Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Robin Thicke against each other as they pair up with amateur singers from around the country.

(photo from abc.com)

Should be rather interesting to see what happens.

CMT AWARDS

The performers are being announced.  Keep checking back for more.  Here's who has signed on so far.

Just announced 5/21 - Toby Keith and Kristen Bell will host the show live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on June 6th at 7pm.

Remember, you can  vote online at CMT.com, and on your mobile device at CMT Mobile or get the CMT Insider app for you iPhone, iPad and Android through June 4th to vote..

Performers (updated 5/24)
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Toby Keith
Willie Nelson
Pistol Annies
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Hank Williams Jr.
Carrie Underwood
Brad Paisley
Kenny Chesney
Little Big Town
Zac Brown Band
Lady Antebellum

JOE NICHOLS NEEDS A NEW LABEL

Joe told us via Twitter that he is no longer a member of the Showdog-Universal label.  He tweeted, "I'd like to thank ShowDog universal for doing the right thing IM FREE!!!!!"  He did say he is "very thankful for Show-Dog, and what they have done for [him.]"  Joe said their "relationship has just reached its limits."

Hmmm - that is interesting.  Many people speculating that it was a less than amicable split.  Of course, Joe was originally with Universal South when they merged with ShowDog.  He had much success with Universal, but since going with the merge he has only had one album, with one singled released.  So it does seem understandable that he is excited to embark on new adventures - things obviously weren't working there.

He does want to make a new record soon.

(photo from joenichols.com)

JANA KRAMER'S ALBUM

Her self-titled debut comes out on June 6th and will feature 11 songs.  Jana said it was tough to decide what to put on the album, "I lean towards writing a lot of ballads.   It's sometimes easier to write that but, you can't have too many ballads on an album.  So we had to have a perfect marriage of all the songs together.   So it was tough!"

Jana Kramer track listing:

1. Good Time Comin' ON
2. I Hope It Rains
3. Why Ya Wanna
4. Goodbye California
5. Whiskey
6. Over You By Now
7. One Of the Boys
8. What I Love About Your Love
9. When You're Lonely
10. King Of Apology
11. Good As You Were Bad
12. I Won't Give Up (Digital Bonus Track)

2012 TEEN CHOICE NOMINEES

(photo from teenchoiceawards.com)

The show airs July 22nd on FOX at 7pm.

You can vote for your favs now at teenchoiceawards.com.

Here's the list of categories for you to vote in.  You'll notice a few of our country favs made it into the all-genre categories!

MUSIC

Choice Male Artist

Justin Bieber
Drake
Bruno Mars
Pitbull
Blake Shelton

Choice Female Artist
Adele
Jennifer Lopez
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Taylor Swift

Choice Music Group
Selena Gomez & The Scene
Gym Class Heroes
Lady Antebellum
LMFAO
The Wanted

Choice Single by a Female Artist
"Set Fire to the Rain," Adele
"Stronger," Kelly Clarkson
"Dance Again," Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull
"Part of Me," Katy Perry
"Eyes Open," Taylor Swift

Choice Country Group
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Thompson Square

Choice Male Country Artist
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Hunter Hayes
Scotty McCreery
Blake Shelton

Choice Female Country Artist
Lauren Alaina
Miranda Lambert
Kellie Pickler
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Choice Country Song
"Tattoos on This Town," Jason Aldean
"Crazy Girl," Eli Young Band
"Storm Warning," Hunter Hayes
"God Gave Me You," Blake Shelton
"Sparks Fly," Taylor Swift

Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Artist
Beyonce
Flo Rida
Nicki Minaj
Pitbull
Kanye West

Choice Rock Group
The Black Keys
Foo Fighters
Foster The People
fun.
Linkin Park

Choice Rock Song
"Lonely Boy," The Black Keys
"Paradise," Coldplay
"Pumped Up Kicks," Foster The People
"We Are Young," fun. Featuring Janelle Monae
"Somebody I Used To Know," Gotye featuring Kimbra

Choice Electronic Dance Music (EDM) Artist
DeadMau5
David Guetta
Calvin Harris
Kaskade
Skrillex

Choice Single by a Group
"We Are Young," fun. Featuring Janelle Monae
"Hit The Lights," Selena Gomez & The Scene
"Ass Back Home," Gym Class Heroes featuring Neon Hitch
"Party Rock Anthem," LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
"Moves Like Jagger," Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera

Choice Single by a Male Artist

"Boyfriend," Justin Bieber
"Take Care," Drake featuring Rihanna
"Good Feeling," Flo Rida
"It Will Rain," Bruno Mars
"Give Me Everything (Tonight)," Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, AfroJack & Nayer

Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song
"Love on Top," Beyonce
"Take Care," Drake featuring Rihanna
"Wild Ones," Flo Rida featuring Sia
"Without You," David Guetta featuring Usher
"Starships," Nicki Minaj

MOVIES

Choice Movie: Action
"Abduction"
"Act of Valor"
"Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol"
"Red Tails"
"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"

Choice Movie Actor: Action
Tom Cruise, "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol"
Robert Downey, Jr., "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"
Tom Hardy, "Warrior"
Taylor Lautner, "Abduction"
Logan Lerman, "The Three Musketeers"

Choice Movie Actress: Action
Salma Hayek, "Puss in Boots"
Milla Jovovich, "The Three Musketeers"
Paula Patton, "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol"
Noomi Rapace, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"
Zoe Saldana, "Colombiana"

Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
"The Avengers"
"The Hunger Games"
"Mirror Mirror"
"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1"
"Wrath of the Titans"

Choice Movie Actor: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Robert Downey, Jr., "The Avengers"
Chris Hemsworth, "The Avengers"
Josh Hutcherson, "The Hunger Games" and "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island"
Taylor Lautner, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1"
Robert Pattinson, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1"

Choice Movie Actress: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Lily Collins, "Mirror Mirror"
Vanessa Hudgens, "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island"
Scarlett Johansson, "The Avengers"
Jennifer Lawrence, "The Hunger Games"
Kristen Stewart, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1"

Choice Movie: Drama
"Drive"
"The Help"
"The Lucky One"
"The Vow"
"We Bought a Zoo"

Choice Movie Actor: Drama
Matt Damon, "We Bought a Zoo"
Zac Efron, "The Lucky One"
Ryan Gosling, "Drive"
Channing Tatum, "The Vow"
Justin Timberlake, "In Time"

Choice Movie Actress: Drama
Sandra Bullock, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Scarlett Johansson, "We Bought a Zoo"
Rachel McAdams, "The Vow"
Emma Stone, "The Help"

Choice Movie: Comedy
"21 Jump Street"
"American Reunion"
"Crazy, Stupid, Love."
"The Muppets"
"What to Expect When You're Expecting"

Choice Movie Actor: Comedy
Jason Biggs, "American Reunion"
Ryan Gosling, "Crazy, Stupid, Love."
Jonah Hill, "21 Jump Street"
Chris Rock, "What to Expect When You're Expecting"
Channing Tatum, "21 Jump Street"

Choice Movie Actress: Comedy
Cameron Diaz, "What to Expect When You're Expecting"
Alyson Hannigan, "American Reunion"
Jennifer Lopez, "What to Expect When You're Expecting"
Emma Stone, "Crazy, Stupid, Love."
Reese Witherspoon, "This Means War"

TELEVISION

Choice TV Show: Drama
"Bones"
"Gossip Girl"
"Pretty Little Liars"
"Revenge"
"Touch"

Choice TV Actor: Drama
Penn Badgley, "Gossip Girl"
David Boreanaz, "Bones"
Ian Harding, "Pretty Little Liars"
Kiefer Sutherland, "Touch"
Ed Westwick, "Gossip Girl"

Choice TV Actress: Drama
Emily Deschanel, "Bones"
Sarah Michelle Gellar, "Ringer"
Lucy Hale, "Pretty Little Liars"
Leighton Meester, "Gossip Girl"
Emily VanCamp, "Revenge"

Choice TV Show: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
"Fringe"
"Once Upon a Time"
"Supernatural"
"True Blood"
"The Vampire Diaries"

Choice TV Actor: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Jensen Ackles, "Supernatural"
Joshua Jackson, "Fringe"
Jared Padalecki, "Supernatural"
Ian Somerhalder, "The Vampire Diaries"
Paul Wesley, "The Vampire Diaries"

Choice TV Actress: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Nina Dobrev, "The Vampire Diaries"
Ginnifer Goodwin, "Once Upon a Time"
Kat Graham, "The Vampire Diaries"
Anna Paquin, "True Blood"
Anna Torv, "Fringe"

Choice TV Show: Action
"Chuck"
"CSI: Miami"
"Hawaii Five-O"
"NCIS: Los Angeles"
"Nikita"

Choice TV Actor: Action
LL Cool J, "NCIS: Los Angeles"
Daniel Dae Kim, "Hawaii Five-O"
Zachary Levi, "Chuck"
Adam Rodriguez, "CSI: Miami"
Shane West, "Nikita"

Choice TV Actress: Action
Lyndsy Fonseca, "Nikita"
Linda Hunt, "NCIS: Los Angeles"
Grace Park, "Hawaii Five-O"
Maggie Q, "Nikita"
Yvonne Strahovski, "Chuck"

Choice TV Show: Comedy
"2 Broke Girls"
"The Big Bang Theory"
"Glee"
"Modern Family"
"New Girl"

Choice TV Actor: Comedy
Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"
Chris Colfer, "Glee"
Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother"
Ashton Kutcher, "Two And a Half Men"
Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"

Choice TV Actress: Comedy
Miranda Cosgrove, "iCarly"
Kaley Cuoco, "The Big Bang Theory"
Zooey Deschanel, "New Girl"
Lea Michele, "Glee"
Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"

Choice TV: Animated Show
"Beavis and Butt-head"

"Bob's Burgers"
"Family Guy"
"Robot Chicken"
"The Simpsons"

Choice TV: Male Personality
Nick Cannon, "America's Got Talent"
Simon Cowell, "The X Factor"
Cee Lo Green, "The Voice"
Gordon Ramsay, "Hell's Kitchen"
Steven Tyler, "American Idol"

Choice TV: Female Personality
Christina Aguilera, "The Voice"
Tyra Banks, "America's Next Top Model"
Carrie Ann Inaba, "Dancing With The Stars"
Jennifer Lopez, "American Idol"
Jessica Simpson, "Fashion Star"

Choice TV: Reality Competition Show
"American Idol"
"America's Next Top Model"
"Survivor: One World"
"The Voice"
"The X Factor"

Choice TV: Reality Show
"Dance Moms"
"Jersey Shore"
"Keeping Up With The Kardashians"
"Punk'd"
"Tia & Tamera"

Choice TV: Male Reality Star
Paul "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio, "Jersey Shore" and "The Pauly D Project"

Rob Dyrdek, "Fantasy Factory" and "Ridiculousness"
William Levy, "Dancing With The Stars"
Scotty McCreery, "American Idol"
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, "Jersey Shore"

Choice TV: Female Reality Star
Lauren Alaina, "American Idol"
Melanie Amaro, "The X Factor"
The Kardashians, "Keeping Up With The Kardashians"
Tia & Tamera Mowry, "Tia & Tamera"
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, "Jersey Shore"

Choice Fashion Icon: Female
Miley Cyrus
Zooey Deschanel
Jennifer Lopez
Nicki Minaj
Katy Perry

Choice Fashion Icon: Male
Justin Bieber
Chris Colfer
Cee Lo Green
Justin Timberlake
will.i.am

Choice Female Hottie

Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Kate Upton

Choice Male Hottie
Justin Bieber
Ryan Gosling
Liam Hemsworth
Robert Pattinson
Ian Somerhalder

SPORTS

Choice Female Athlete
Kelly Clark (Snowboarding)
Maria Sharapova (Tennis)
Hope Solo (Soccer)
Lindsey Vonn (Skiing)
Serena Williams (Tennis)

Choice Male Athlete
David Beckham (Soccer)
Kobe Bryant (Basketball)
Albert Pujols (Baseball)
Tim Tebow (Football)
Shaun White (Snowboarding/Skateboarding/Surfing)

OTHER

Choice Book
"The Hunger Games" trilogy, Suzanne Collins
"The Giver," Lois Lowry
"The Twilight Saga," Stephanie Meyer
"The Divergent Trilogy," Veronica Roth
"The Lucky One," Nicolas Sparks

Choice Comedian
Ellen DeGeneres
Jimmy Fallon
Andy Samberg
Daniel Tosh
Kristen Wiig

Choice Twit
Justin Bieber
Miley Cyrus
Jimmy Fallon
Demi Lovato
Ryan Seacrest

2012 BILLBOARD AWARD COUNTRY WINNERS

Congrats to all who participated and won.  Looks like we really love Jason Aldean!

Woman of the Year
Taylor Swift

Top Country Artist
Jason Aldean

Top Country Album
Jason Aldean - My Kinda Party


Top Country Song
Jason Aldean - Dirt Road Anthem

GLORIANA ON THE BACHELORETTE

Tonight!

It's the second show of the season and Emily will go on a surprise one-on-one date to a Gloriana concert.  We'll see them performing their current single, "(Kissed You) Good Night."

One of the band members, Rachel Reinert, is a big fan of the show, and when she found out Emily was a fan of theirs she thought it "was a wonderul surprise" and is "even more excited [they] got to be a part of it."

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS ARE SUNDAY

Their Sunday night on ABC.  "Modern Family's” Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen will host. 

Country Nominees include:

Top Artist: Adele, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry and Rihanna.

Top New Artist: Bad Meets Evil, Big Sean, Foster The People, Scotty McCreery and Wiz Khalifa.

Top Duo/Group: The Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Lady Antebellum, LMFAO and Maroon 5.

Top Touring Artist: Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, Take That, U2 and Roger Waters.

Top Country Artist: Jason Aldean, Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift.

Top Country Album: Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party,” The Band Perry – “The Band Perry,” Luke Bryan – “Tailgates & Tanlines,” Lady Antebellum – “We Own The Nigh,” and Scotty McCreery – “Clear As Day.”

Top Country Song: Jason Aldean – “Dirt Road Anthem,” Luke Bryan – “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” Eli Young Band – “Crazy Girl,” Lady Antebellum “Just A Kiss” and Blake Shelton – “Honey Bee.”

CMT AWARDS

The performers are being announced.  Keep checking back for more.  Here's who has signed on so far.

Just announced 5/21 - Toby Keith and Kristen Bell will host the show live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on June 6th at 7pm.

Remember, you can  vote online at CMT.com, and on your mobile device at CMT Mobile or get the CMT Insider app for you iPhone, iPad and Android through June 4th to vote..

Carrie Underwood
Brad Paisley
Kenny Chesney
Little Big Town
Zac Brown Band
Lady Antebellum

EDENS EDGE TRACK LISTING

Their self-titled debut album drops on June 12th.

(photo from Nashvillegab.com)

Here's the list of songs.

1. Amen
2. Swingin' Door
3. Skinny Dippin'
4. Too Good To Be True
5. Last Supper
6. Feels So Real
7. Who Am I Drinking Tonight
8. Liar
9. Cherry Pie
10. Christ Alone

FORBES' "MOST POWERFUL" CELEBRITIES

The list is out and a few country stars get the nod - though none crack the Top 10..  The celebrities were ranked in terms of earnings, net worth, and their level of media visibility and fame.

Here's where our country stars fall on the list:
#11 Taylor Swift
#49 Toby Keith
#53 Kenny Chesney
#68 Brad Paisley
#91 Larry the Cable Guy

J.Lo is the "Most Powerful Celebrity."  (Wonder how Jenny from the block feels about beating out Oprah.)

Forbes' "Most Powerful" Celebrities Top 10

1. Jennifer Lopez
2. Oprah Winfrey
3. Justin Bieber
4. Rihanna
5. Lady Gaga
6. Britney Spears
7. Kim Kardashian (GAG!)
8. Katy Perry
9. Tom Cruise
10. Steven Spielberg

THE VOICE

Well it seems that NBC is going to try and find out if too much of a good thing is too much of a good thing.  It seems the plan is to run the show in the Fall and Spring.  The question is...will the judges be able to participate?  They do have to tour sometimes.  Maybe that will keep the show fresh - different judges for each season.

YOUR PERFECT MAN

What's he like?  Austin Reed conducted a poll to find out what we women want in a man.  The 30 must-have qualities include 86% of us wanting a sensitive man who calls his mom on a regular basis and cries during movies!  Here's the list for you.  And there are a few doozies on here!  You'll find my comments in parenthesis.

1. Six foot tall
2. Muscles, tones and athletic
3. Brown eyes
4. Short, dark hair
5. Smart dress sense (Are we looking for Robert Downy?  'Cuz this list sounds like him so far.)
6. Stylish
7. A beer drinker
8. A non-smoker
9. Wears smart jeans, shirt and v-neck jumper (A v-neck jumper - really?)
10. Gets ready in 17 minutes (17 huh?)
11. Earns around $77,000 a year (uh-huh)
12. Wants a family
13. Loves shopping
14. Eats meat (Guess there weren't many vegetarians taking this survey.)
15. Watches soaps (Oh, right)
16. Clean-shaven
17. Smooth-chested
18. Enjoys watching football (Would a smooth-chested man though? ;)
19. Drives an Audi (Do you have to make more than $77,000 to afford a nice Audi?)
20. Well-educated
21. Earns more than his partner (Really?  Really?  Women really said this?  I am not buying it!)
22. Jokes around and has a laugh
23. Sensitive when you are upset
24. Tells you he loves you only when he means it (When else would he say it?  Oh right... ;)
25. Admits it when he looks at other women (Right. This is like asking him if you look fat in those jeans - you say you really want to know, but you don't.)
26. Has a driver's license
27. Can swim
28. Can ride a bike
29. Can change a tire
30. Calls his mother regularly (I bet the women on that show Monster-In-Law would disagree with this one.)

CARRIE UNDERWOOD DVR ALERT

Carrie will perform "Good Girl" on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" tonight.

Also, Alanis Morissette will debut her new single and Julianne Hough will perform a song from her upcoming movie (starring Tom Cruise) Rock of Ages.

All starts at 8pm.

COUNTRY STAR TV SHOWS

Reba McEnite's sitcom, "Malibu Country" has been picked up by ABC.  Reba McEntire's pilot was given a greenlight earlier this year, and now we know it's going on the fall schedule.  Reba shared the news via Twitter. The show features Reba as a Nashville mom whose rock-star hubby leaves the family and takes most of the their cash.  She then moves with her three kids and mother (Lily Tomlin!) to Malibu, California to try and reignite her singing career while protecting her kids from the materialistic snares of their new environment.  We'll know this week when ABC announces their Up Fronts when it will air.


Craig Morgan's "All Access Outdoors" will return for a third season t the Outdoors Channel this summer.  It's so successful it gets a primetime slot on Sunday evenings now.  The first of the 13 episodes airs on July 1st.  Craig will be joined each week by fellow country artists, pro athletes, motocross celebrities and his own family.  During season 3 you'll see him surfing in Hawaii and leading first-time hunters on a turkey expedition in his hometown of Dickson, TN.

KELLIE PICKLER AND THE BLUE ANGELS

Kellie got a chance to go from the ground to 2,000 feet in the air in just four seconds last Wednesday when she went on a flight over Middle Tennessee with pilot LT Mark Tedrow of the United States Navy Blue Angels.

When they returned to the airport LT Tedrow presented Kellie with a personalized lithograph to commemorate the flight.  Later Kellie tweeted, "THANK YOU @BlueAngels for the fasted most badass ride of my life!!!! Let's fly again soon!!!"

Kellie is a big supporter of the USO.

DIRT DRIFTERS NO MORE?

The Dirt Drifters posted a note on their website saying they were bowing out from future commitments so many of us are wondering if this spells the end for the band (one of Lezli's Picks favs btw).

The note said, "Hi all...we hate to disappoint you guys, especially after all the support you have given us over the past few years, but due to some private, personal issues we will not be going out on the road and will be canceling all upcoming shows and appearance.  We apologize for any inconvenience to anyone who had plans to come see us this summer, you knnow there is nothing we love more than playing music and we will miss you.  We cannot thank you enough for your support and for standing by us.

Peace

The Dirt Drifters"

(photo from thedirtdrifters.com)

CONGRATS TO JAKE OWEN & HIS NEW BRIDE

Jake married his fiance Lacey Buchanan this morning in his hometown of Vero Beach, FL.

(photo from peoplemagazine.com)

According to People magazine they exchanged their vows at a private sunrise ceremony on the beach with their close family looking on.  Lacey wore an Amsale gown and veil while Jake wore white linen Armani and Tommy Bahama - and they were both barefoot.  Jake's brother, Jarrod, was the best man and Lacey's sister, Leah, was the maid of honor while Jake's uncle officiated.  After the wedding there was champagne, cake-cutting and a sit-down brunch at the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa.  Jake told People, "I'm looking forward to being a husband, someone his wife relies and leans on." (awwww)

MIRANDA & ASHTON MAKE UP

You might recall that Ashton Kutcher showed up to present at the ACM's in cowboy duds that had people wondering if he was making fun of country music.  Miranda Lambert even tweeted, "Was Ashton  Kutcher making fun of country or is it just me?  Watching it back now and I'm kinda wondering?"

Well, all seems to be well and fine now.  Friday at at pre-Kentucky Derby bash Miranda tweeted a photo of the two of them together and said, "@aplusk her it is ya'll.  He is sweet and lives country music!  For Real!!"  She also tweeted, "And he likes randaritas!" (A Randarita is a drink Miranda created consisting of Bacardi, raspberry lemonade Crystal Light and a splash of Sprite Zero.)

(from nydailynews.com)

So it seems Ashton is just what he appears to be.  A sweet goof-ball.

JUNE CARTER BIOPIC COMING

Anchored in Love: An Intimate Portrait of June Carter Cash based on John Carter Cash's book will be filmed for a Lifetime TV Movie.  Jewel will play June Carter and Matt Ross of Big Love fame will play Johnny Cash.  The filming starts this summer in Atlanta and the film airs late in 2012.

LET'S GO TO VEGAS

Faith Hill sang this song, but it might become a reality.  Robin Leach says Faith and hubby Tim McGraw will be doing a residency on the Vegas strip this winter - though this has not been officially confirmed.  Originally Tim & Faith were thinking of touring together, this sounds like it would be easier for them.

Right now Garth Brooks performs at the Wynn Encore Theater and Shania Twain will perform at Caesars Palace starting in December.

HAPPY 35th ERIC CHURCH

(photo from www.ericchurch.com)

TOBY KEITH BUCKET LIST

It's not Toby's, but a Navy Seabee's.  We know that Toby, over the last decade, has played to more than 182,600 service mand and women at over 100 military installations overseas (he's even performing on aircraft carriers and battleships this year).  Well, Navy Seabee Nicholas W. Pfaff was excited to see Toby April 28th at Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan because he has been carrying around his "bucket list" on a worn, lined sheet of paper, and #15 reads, "Meet Toby Keith."  He says, "I've been a fan of his since I was in high school; his music is different from what we hear all the time.  Something in his lyrics really appeals to me."

Oh, And Navy Seabee Nicholas W. Pfaff is from Germantown, WI!!!!

(photo from TobyKeith.com)

(taken on the USS cape by David Gatley)

FAKE BRANTLEY GILBERT GOING TO THE PO-PO

A 25-year-old, Thomas Michael Barth, has been posing as Brantley Gilbert and has now been charged with two counts of theft after police said he ordered $12,000 in merchandise from businesses while posing as Brantley.  The Warsaw Police Department said that during his three-month scheme, Barth allegedly emailed and texted Robert's Signs in Warsaw, posing as Brantley, and ordered $8,000 worth of personalized products and clothing.  He also ordered a computer, along with musical and electronic equipment from musician Kevin Kyle of Winona Lake worth about $4,000.  Police said the real Brantley and his managers have had many complaints about the imposter and ordered him to stop.  Barth turned himself in on April 26th and was jailed on two counts of felony theft.

KATIE ARMIGER IS...

Country Weekly's "Hottest Bachelorette" as named by you, the fans.  It's the second time this has happened for Katie.

(photo courtest of www.katiearmiger.com)

The issue comes out May 7th and I've found out that Taylor Swift, Lauren Alaina and The Band Perry's Kimberly Perry are on the list.

ERIC CHURCH ISN'T GOING TO LIKE THIS...;)

E! has a new series coming for aspiring artists.  Opening Act is set to debut on July 9th.  Professionals will scour the internet for amateur musicians, with the best ones being sent off to boot camp to polish up their act for a chance to open for a big name act (one time only).  Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Rod Stewart, Nicki Minaj, Gym Class Heroes, LMFAO and Jason Mraz have signed on.  I don't think Eric Church will be (see the latest issue of Rolling Stone to find out why)


BOOOO!!  Lionel Richie seems to be out on the ABC show Duets!  John Legend is taking his place.  John, along with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Kelly Clarkson and Robin Thicke are set to search the country for two singers they think would be worthy duet partners.  The stars compete alongside the newbies each week before a live studio audience.  The winning duet partner will be awarded a recording contract with Hollywood Reocrds.  It sounds like a hoot!  I've seen the commercials with Lionel, but it seems they will have to yank those as his name wasn't mentioned in a news release that ABC issued Monday.  No explanation was given for the casting change.  TV personality Quddus is the host of the show which debuts May 24th.  I have to say, I'm very disappointed.  I love Lionel and was looking forward to watching the show because of him and Jennifer.