Merle's Going To Try To Look Happy

The first three dates for Taylor Swift’s world tour have been leaked by a Japanese website. So now we know. The tour will kick off in Osaka, Japan on February 13th, 2011. Considering Taylor’s lucky number is “13” one could suspect that’s why she chose that date. According to the website, she will have 85 shows in 18 different countries. In other Taylor news, her iPhone/iPod application, Mix Me In2 Taylor Swift, has been nominated for Best Music Engagement App by Billboard. The winner will be chosen on October 5th at the Music App Summit in San Francisco.

Alan Jackson will be celebrating the 20-year anniversary of his debut album with the release of a double-disc collection. All 34 of his number one hits will be featured on the project, along with two rare tracks and the new single, “As She’s Walking Away,” from Zac Brown Band. The compilation album will be out on November 23rd.

TV Schedule
Thursday night, Jamey Johnson will perform a new song from his upcoming 25-track double disc, The Guitar Song, on the Late Show With David Letterman. Friday morning, Sugarland will be stopping by the Today Show on NBC. That evening, Martina McBride and Lady Antebellum will be participating in the Stand Up For Cancer telethon benefiting cancer research. The special will air on 17 different channels. Blake Shelton will rock the house on Friday night when he performs on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson. Sunday, Kenny Chesney’s Boys of Fall documentary will rebroadcast on ESPN2.

Then later this year, on December 28th, Merle Haggard will be on TV. Merle will be recognized by the Kennedy Center for his contributions to the American culture. Other legends to be recognized include Paul McCartney, composer Jerry Herman, and Oprah Winfrey. Merle tells the Associated Press, “I don't know exactly what to do, I guess just sit there and look like you're having fun.”

And finally, as Billy Ray Cyrus finishes working one TV show with one of his children, he’s picking up another show with another child. According to reports, Billy Ray and his son, Trace, are developing their own show, UFO: Unbelievably Freakin’ Obvious, for the SciFi Network. The two will be hitting the road together to travel the country and investigate conspiracy theories and urban legends. Billy Ray says, “My son has always had an interest in these things and I look forward to the series.”