One Less Hot Bachelor To Vote For

Happy news in Buckytown, USA. The comprehensive fan blog is spreading word around the internet that Bucky Covington and his 3-year girlfriend, Katherine Cook, are engaged. No official statements from Bucky’s management have been issued, but reliable fan sources report to have spoken to Katherine after she was spotted wearing a large diamond on her left hand at one of Bucky’s weekend shows. Word is that Katherine told fans that the ring was a birthday present, and that they are now engaged. No word on a wedding date.

In today's breaking news, American Idol has just announced that Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez will join the judges table alongside returning veteran, Randy Jackson. Let the commenting begin. The public's true reaction to the departure of the iconic judges will be seen in the viewership and ratings of the upcoming season.

Taylor Swift is featured in Rolling Stone magazine’s Fall Preview section. The article includes photos of Taylor recording her self-penned album at Starstruck Studios in Nashville. In the article, Taylor talks about her inspiration for writing particular tracks. For example, the song “The Story Of Us” was written about running into an ex-boyfriend at an award show. Taylor says, “We were both in the ‘I’m ignoring you, I don’t care’ mode.” Taylor won’t admit if the song was written about her ex Joe Jonas, but when asked if the song “Back to December” was written about her former boyfriend Taylor Lautner, she laughed and said, “After I wrote it, I realized I’ve never apologized to someone in a song.” Speak Now will be available on October 25th.

Randy Houser’s new album, They Call Me Cadillac, hit stores yesterday, and he is waiting for the approval from one of his biggest fans – Reba McEntire. Reba was a huge supporter of his last album, Anything Goes, and she even mentioned in an interview that you can find Randy and Lady Gaga on her iPOD. In response, Randy said, “I still blush when I think that she dug what I did, because she's somebody I grew up listening to, and hey, that's Fancy!” Even though Reba sent Randy a tweet saying, “Can’t wait to hear the new music! I’m a huge fan!!” Randy is still nervous about sending her the new record. “What's weird about it is this album is pretty far removed from the first record, and I'm almost scared to send it to her. I'm going to write her a letter and send her one, and I'm like, 'Oh gosh, if she doesn't like this one, I don't know what I'm going to do.’”

Movies and Charitable Efforts

Julianne Hough started filming her role as “Ariel Moore” in the remake of Footloose earlier this week. Although the film is known for its dancing and Julianne is known for her dance moves, she’s actually not doing a lot of footwork in the film. Julianne says, “I think a lot of people are expecting to see me sing and dance and everything. And I really don’t sing at all, and I only dance the very last dance, which is at the prom scene so this is going to be fun. It’s like a pure performance acting piece for me so I’m really excited.” Julianne posted a tweet that she was looking forward to putting on the infamous red boots her character Ariel wears. Julianne’s father in the film, “Reverend Shaw Moore,” will be played by Dennis Quaid.

News From Around The Country
Jimmy Wayne has nearly completed his Meet Me Halfway walk from Nashville to Phoenix. Along the way, he’s not just been walking for the cause – he’s been collecting coins for a cause as well. Jimmy calls his side project, “Make A Change.” No word on where the found funds will be donated. …. Miranda Lambert took time out of her tour schedule last weekend to help raise awareness for animals in shelters. An animal rescue house in Wisconsin sold tickets for a meet-and-greet with Miranda before her concert in the area. Thousands of dollars were raised to support the shelter, and Miranda felt the promotion was another chance to raise awareness for animal adoption. Miranda’s own Mutt Nation Foundation works with shelters across the country to help raise money for stray animals. …. Randy Houser was part of a USO Tour earlier this year and after performing 30 shows in 11 days, Randy was inspired to finish his song “Here With Me” which he originally started writing while in the states. He performed the original song for soldiers, but felt like something was missing. Randy said, "I was almost done when I realized there was still something that needed to be sung. This time I knew just the words: 'But I know God can hear me way up there, sending up an old familiar prayer.” Due to the impact of the song on the soldiers, Randy made sure “Here With Me” made it in each playlist at every concert. The song will be on Randy’s upcoming album.

Music. Music. Music.

With summer comin’, compilations of previously released music are getting ready to come out to provide the beat to the season. Just in time for America’s birthday, Now That’s What I Call the USA (The Patriotic Country Collection) will be in stores on June 15th. The CD will contain 17 tracks, including Carrie Underwood's "All-American Girl," Trace Adkins' "Arlington," Brooks & Dunn's "Only in America," Kenny Chesney's "Back Where I Come From" and Tim McGraw's "If You're Reading This." A portion of the proceeds from every album will benefit troops and military families. In related releases, Lady Antebellum's "American Honey" and Miranda Lambert's "The House That Built Me" are the only country songs included on Now That's What I Call Music! Vol. 34, also scheduled for a June 15th. And if you can hold out until September 14th, Randy Houser will release his 12-track sophomore studio album, They Call Me Cadillac.

Joe Nichols’ fans have a couple chances to watch their man sing this month. Tonight, Joe is scheduled to perform "Gimme That Girl" on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Then on May 25th, he’ll perform the same multi-week No. 1 hit on ABC's The View. The single comes from his 2009 album, Old Things New.

CRS Day Four

The final day of CRS 2010. The last day of seminars to discuss the various aspects of the radio and record business.

Beyond that, Capitol Records hosted a luncheon and The New Faces Class of 2010 performed. At lunch, it was announced that Little Big Town could not be in attendance because Karen Fairchild is with child and due to have the baby any day. To substitute, the music video for the new single “Little White Church” opened the show, followed by music videos from The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lady Antebellum. Emily West appeared in person. She is an energetic little firecracker with looks and pipes reminiscent of Faith Hill. Her current single is “Blue Sky,” which she sang so powerfully, it’s a good thing that the luncheon plates were shatter-proof plastic.

Following Emily was Eric Church, who brought a little bit of his road show to the convention center. In a cleverly-put-together production, Eric presented an interactive documentary. Interspersed with his live performance on stage, video packages of his life on the road were shown on the large side screens. Plus, to spice up the standard live feed of video from the stage on those large screens, much of the time, that live video was faded into video of real live crowds. The whole presentation felt much more connected to a true concert experience, rather than just a bunch of jaded radio people eating lunch and listening to yet another artist. And this from the same guy who three years ago did the same luncheon and spent his allotted 20 minutes doing a continuous medley of all his music rather than breaking it up with a bunch of talking between songs. Eric is a unique and entertaining character. Although, he beats his chest a lot when he sings. That’s got to hurt after a while.

CRS wraps up with The New Faces Class of 2010. Each act begins with a short video that some use as a career-highlight reel, some use as a thank-you video, and some use to be cute and funny through contrived skits. Once onstage, each act has enough time for about 4 songs. Most do their current and/or most famous hits that radio will recognize, plus something of their choosing. First up was Love and Theft - young, fresh, and energetic. The three-part harmonies or “Runaway” really keep your attention moving across the stage. They will be opening for Tim McGraw this year. Randy Houser was quite humbled by the honor of being voted on to the New Faces show. To him, performing at his current level is a dream he’s had since he was about 5 years old. He rocked out on Drake’s viral video hit, “Boots On,” and sent his vocals soaring on the song that let his mama hear her son on the radio for the first time, “Anything Goes.” Chris Young got directly to the business at hand by delivering “Gettin’ You Home” to the radio programmers who made it his first number one song. He also slipped in “Voices,” “The Man I Want To Be,” and one of his personal favorites, “Rainy Night In Georgia,” the latter a sultry song that fits his charismatic voice like a soft pair of fresh socks. The fast-rising foursome of Gloriana stepped out to own the stage with a sampling of their music including their first hit “Wild At Heart,” and the current single which they recorded for the US Olympic Team soundtrack “The World Is Ours Tonight.” Each member seemed to have their own style and unique contribution to the group, but as a whole they are a full plate of audio and visual tastiness. Lastly, Justin Moore took to the stage, complete with a 4-wheel ATV on his set. Unlike Bucky Covington, who rode his dirt bike onto stage two years ago, Justin used his vehicle only for continuity from his hunting-themed video introduction. The video ended with the ATV headlights coming at the camera; the curtain came up to those headlights glaring into the audience. From there, it was game on! With the exception of a touching tribute song for his grandpa, Justin rocked out and owned that stage. This is a guy to be excited about. He is an all-purpose package and a bright light to country’s future. His music is country, but it’s rockin’. He can touch your heart with a ballad, or he can kick your a$$ with an attitude song. He’s got the tunes that'll relate to the guys; he’s got the sexy swagger of Tim McGraw to swoon the women. It looks like country music is in good hands with the Class of 2010. Another successful CRS in the can. You've been seeing the pictures. Watch for video.

Free Randy Houser Show Tonight

Randy Houser plays tonight. Head out to the NMSU Homecoming bonfire to check out Randy’s style of rockin’, gritty country. You know “Anything Goes” and “Boots On” from The Country Station; but remember that Randy also co-wrote “Honkytonk Badonkadonk” (Trace Adkins) and “Back That Thing Up” (Justin Moore). Even though Randy doesn’t perform his hit co-writes, now you know what kind of music you’re in for tonight. Don’t miss it. The show is FREE! Pep Rally activities start at 7; The Jennies open the music part of the show; Randy Houser will take the stage to headline!

The People will speak. The first round of the People’s Choice Awards nominees have been announced and there’s plenty of country to vote for. You can log on and vote until November 8th. Final nominees with be announced November 10th.
Favorite Breakout Artist
Lady Antebellum
Zac Brown Band
(up against Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert)

Favorite Country Artist
Brad Paisley
Carrie Underwood
Jason Aldean
Keith Urban
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum
Miranda Lambert
Rascal Flatts
Reba
Sugarland
Taylor Swift
Toby Keith

Favortie Female Artist
Carrie Underwood
Taylor Swift
(up against Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, P!nk, Katy Perry)

Favorite Male Artist
Keith Urban
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
(up against Kanye West, Jay-Z)

Favorite Pop Artist
Taylor Swift
(up against Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson)


News From Around The County
Country artists seem to be spending a lot of time at the salon lately to prepare for the CMA Awards next month. Julianne Hough has been tweeting that she has had her hair taken to a darker shade of blond; Kellie Pickler has made good on her recent threats to go red. She’s now looking for a whole new wardrobe to match. We’ll have to be on the lookout for pictures. …. Kenny Chesney is not taking the entire year of 2010 off. He wanted to take a break from the workload of planning and executing his own major tour, but he will be appearing for isolated concerts at the Bayou Country Superfest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on May 30th, and then he will appear at 2010 BamaJam taking place June 3rd through 5th near Enterprise, Alabama. …. Keith Urban left his final U-S concert of the year by way of taxi. While playing the last few bars of “Better Life,” Keith took to the audience floor, walked through the halls of Buffalo’s HSBC Arena and out into the street where he donned a jacket, turned in his guitar and left the arena in of all things, a taxi. Fans didn’t know whether the images they saw on the video screens were real or not. But when the band stopped playing and the confetti flew, they knew that what had happened was in fact real. Keith wanted to incorporate the most popular form of NY transportation into his show. And he beat the rush for taxis after the show! …. And finally, congratulations to John Rich and his wife, Joan. They are expecting their first baby, reportedly a boy.

Award Season

Brad Paisley has rewarded his 1,000,000th concert attendee! Last week in Jacksonville, FL, Tim and Amber Brown, and their children, atteneded Brad’s show expecting nothing more than a good time. Soon enough, they were escorted to the front row, under the guise of an upgrade. Cool. After the show, they were taken backstage to meet Brad, still not knowing what was happening. When they were introduced to Brad he posed for a quick photo and then said, “Let’s go for a walk.” As they were walking he told them they were the millionth ticket holder and he had planned something special for them. When they approached the truck Brad handed Tim a set of keys and said, “It’s yours!” Amber was overcome with emotion and speechless while Tim shook Brad’s hand and thanked him over and over. Tim is in the Navy and the couple is expecting their third child. “You just don’t know how much of a blessing this truck is to us,” said Tim.

News From Around The Country
It’s award season in Nashville. Las Cruces’ own Barbara Hubbard received the prestigious “President’s Award” from the IEBA (International Entertainment Buyer’s Association.) The President’s Award recognizes an outstanding professional in the music industy. Mother Hubbard was chosen for her hard work and dedication to the business, and for her commitment to helping future generations get into the entertainment business through her ACTS Program. Barbara has been instrumental in bringing top entertainment to Las Cruces for over 40 years. As a reminder, ACTS presents Bill Cosby and Randy Houser at NMSU this week as part of Homecoming activities. …. Also receiving an award this week, Toby Keith accepted the Songwriter/Artist of the Decade award from the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Taylor Swift was honored at the same event as the Songwriter/Artist of the Year. Citing such smash hits as “Love Story”, “White Horse” and “You Belong With Me”, the organization recognized Taylor for the second time as the youngest person ever to be bestowed this honor.… Set your DVRs, Taylor Swift will be the host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live November 7th. ….Charlie Daniels has released a special holiday CD/DVD package, Joy to the World: A Bluegrass Christmas. The deluxe, two-disc set includes a CD and a bonus DVD, A Twin Pines Christmas.

Dancing For Dummies

Tuesday night without Dancing? We're feeling underprivileged. To prepare for next week's episode of Dancing With The Stars, how about a dance lesson? Julianne Hough's exclusive videos are on cmt.com. Her latest episode talks about her wardrobe malfunction at last Monday's rehearsal.




Today is Half Off Wednesday and The Country Station is having a Spring Cleaning Clearance Sale. All remaining certificates for Desert Learning Center, A Taste of India Restaurant, and Pro Tax Service are BETTER THAN HALF OFF! Shop early while supplies last!


Sugarland is currently on a European tour; Jennifer Nettles lost her voice which forced the band to cancel two concerts. To make it up to the fans, Sugarland held a meet-and-greet at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy last Saturday and rescheduled their Sunday show in Naples, Italy, for March 24. They were expected to perform last night in Paris, with additional dates planned for Germany, the Netherlands, England, Ireland and Scotland.

Sara Evans is set to join the ranks of country authors. She has signed a four book deal with a publishing company to work with writer Rachel Hauck and should have her first novel on shelves later this year. The book is will be the first in a series, and it will be released in conjunction with her next album which she’s still working on. Sara calls her novel an "emotional, Southern-flavored, multi-generational tale, featuring a compelling love story.”

On a recent flight out of Nashville, a bird hit a plane just after take-off and forced the aircraft to return to BNA. Pat Green and Randy Houser were on board, bound for a show in Birmingham. Surely with visions of the Hudson River landing fresh in his mind, Pat chose to give up his seat and take the bus to Alabama. Randy remained on board. Both arrived safely at the next gig.

If you’re watching CBS on April 1st, you might want to take what you see with a grain of salt. On April Fool’s Day, you’ll see a show called I Get That A Lot where celebrities are featured working in normal people jobs. Viewers can watch Heidi Klum work in a pizza place while denying that she is herself to questioning customers. LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, and Ice-T among others will be on the show.

The New Lineup

To welcome Sean to the afternoon show on The Country Station, here's a little gift from everyone at the office:
It's your pretend girlfriend, Jennifer Nettles. Now stay focused, Sean, and do the show....

Your K-Great Country Crew is:
Jerry Hardin 5 - 10 am
Sheila Kirsch 10 - 3 pm
Sean Towers 3 - 7 pm
John Thompson 7 - midnight

Country music’s media princess is making the rounds. Last night, Taylor Swift was on stage in London for her first-ever European performance. The show was sold-out well in advance due to Taylor’s large global following on-line. While in London, Taylor will meet with the Universal Music Group staff that will release her new album, Fearless, worldwide in 2009. When leaving London, Taylor will fly directly to Los Angeles for MTV’s Video Music Awards on Sunday (9/7), where she is nominated for this year’s Best New Artist award. From LA, Taylor will travel to New York for a September 10th appearance on Good Morning America, where she will join Rascal Flatts to announce the final nominees for the 2008 CMA Awards. Taylor appears again on national television Monday (9/8) as she co-hosts and performs on the ABC TV special CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock. And if that isn't enough, Taylor will be featured in this week’s issues of Us Weekly and People magazines. And, did we mention that she rejoins Rascal Flatts’ Bob That Head Tour on September 11th in Virginia Beach?

Jewel posted a blog on her website Monday morning clarifying rumors her band had been in a bus accident. The rumors were in fact true, but Jewel says everyone miraculously came out without a scratch. Jewel and husband Ty Murray had flown home after their show in Virginia Beach, but her band had a fourteen hour bus drive back to Nashville. The bus driver, Deano, had been suffering from the flu so all of the bus drivers for the Paisley Party Tour kept checking on him by radio. Around 2 AM, one of her band members went up and asked Deano if he needed anything, and he asked for a diet soda. Just as Joel got back to the kitchen to grab Deano’s drink, the bus was driving off the road into the middle median. Come to find out, Deano had passed out at the wheel and was taken to the emergency room. Brad Paisley had flown back home after the show as well, meaning his bus was empty. So once they got the okay, Jewel’s band and crew jumped on board and headed home safe and sound.

A little digging unearthed this quote from Darius Rucker, this week’s Spotlight Artist, about his first country hit, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “[Co-writer] Clay Mills had this great idea ... Most love songs are about people pining for their loved ones to come back. But we wanted to make it known that this guy was fine. He just heard that this girl was getting married, and he was thinking about her. It's not sappy, it's just a song that everybody's gone through. No matter how happy you are in your life, if you hear that your ex is getting married, you'll think about it! Not that you want them back or anything though.”

And finally, if you missed Randy Houser’s appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, click here to watch the performance that everyone is buzzing about.