Faith Hill Debuts "Waiting All Day For Sunday Night" This Sunday On NBC (Get A Glimpse Here First!)
Faith Hill debuts her theme song for NBC's Sunday Night Football this weekend. She will perform her customized "Waiting All Day For Sunday Night" for the Indianapolis Colts vs Chicago Bears game at Lucas Oil Stadium in the Colts' hometown. Hill says, "It was a thrill to be invited back again this year. I love being part of the Sunday Night Football family." In addition to the theme song, Faith contributed one of her recipes to the new NFL Sunday Night Football Cookbook, which came out this week. Faith wrote the introduction to the cookbook, which includes 150 recipes from players, chefs, and members of the NBC sports news team.
Behind the Scenes with Faith

Taylor's "Tabloid" Moment
Pictured: Joe Jonas and rumored girlfriend, country superstar Taylor Swift, leave New York City hotspot Tao late Thursday night. The pair was accompanied by Joe's younger brother Nick Jonas and his rumored girlfriend, Disney sensation Selena Gomez. "Everyone looked really chummy," one spywitness said of the JoBros and their rumored lady loves. And get this, Taylor and Selena left Tao holding hands. Holding hands! Rumored girlfriends of the Jonas Brothers have to stick together!

Toby On ABC Special
On Sept 7th 2008, USAA Presents, America United: In Support of Our Troops, a 2-hour special saluting those men and women who keep our nation safe ... and their families who sacrifice so much for all of us. This event features popular music, celebrity cameos, tributes to troops, and nostalgic walks down "memory lane." Tune in to enjoy appearances and performances by Jessica Simpson, Snoop Dogg, Janet Jackson, Toby Keith, DL Hughley, Pam Anderson, ZZ Top, Clint Black, Carlos Mencia, and many more as they take the stage around the country and at military bases worldwide. More info at SupportAmericaUnited.com.

Chesney's Next Big Star
Kenny Chesney has found his grand prize winner in the "Next Big Star" talent search. South Carolina native duo Brother Trouble will take home the $25,000 dollar prize, in addition to opening for Chesney for the entire final weekend of the Poets & Pirates tour, getting their own tour bus for that weekend, and having the chance to audition for Chesney's label, BNA Records. Brother Trouble initially auditioned and won the local "Next Big Star" contest in Nashville at the Hard Rock Cafe. Brothers Jason and Mark Sutton opened for Chesney at LP Field in July. Chesney said, "It's pretty amazing to see the quality of local bands out there, and the different kinds of country music being made, too. I'd say the future's in pretty good shape... and it was really hard deciding on that one grand prize winner, that's how good these Next Big Stars were." The Poets & Pirates tour wraps up on September 13th in Indianapolis. Chesney's new album, Lucky Old Sun, will be released on October 14th.
Brother Trouble "Dive Right In"

Sunday Paisley???
Brad Paisley's son, Huck, may be just a toddler, but the singer already has designs on pairing him up with Keith Urban's daughter one day. While Paisley said he has yet to meet little Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, he has no doubt she would be a fine choice for his son, as he told us: "I've already been workin' Huck, you know, that there's a bound to be beautiful young woman that you need to meet. We could be in-laws one of these days (laughter). (I'm) kidding! Talk about an arranged marriage!" Paisley said that so far his contact with Urban has been limited to email since the birth of Sunday, due to the two entertainers' busy schedules. The Paisley Party tour is on a brief hiatus until September 18th, when it resumes in Atlanta with special guests Jewel, Chuck Wicks, and Julianne Hough.

Jessica's Opry Debut
Jessica Simpson will make her very first appearance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday (September 6th). Her performance will be televised during Opry Live, which airs on GAC at 7 p.m. CT. Simpson will be sharing the stage that night with one of her all-time musical favorites, Loretta Lynn, as she told us: "I can't believe I get to play on that stage. I can't believe that I'm gonna be there the same day that Loretta Lynn's gonna be there. I adore Loretta Lynn. I love her so much. One of my favorite songs that she ever recorded was a song with Conway Twitty called 'Please Help Me I'm Falling In Love With You,' and I can't wait to sit with Loretta and just hopefully have a conversation with her, you know, and I can't wait to just watch her perform. I've never seen her perform live." Simpson added that her family will be on hand to take part in the special evening. "My grandparents were the first to call. They were like, 'We want front row seats,' and so my whole family's gonna be here. It's really a huge deal." Also performing on the Opry tomorrow night are Patty Loveless and newcomer Crystal Shawanda. Simpson's debut country album, Do You Know, will be released on Tuesday (September 9th.) That morning, the singer will perform on Good Morning America as part of their Fall Concert Series. On Thursday (September 11th), Simpson will visit with the ladies of The View followed by the Late Show With David Letterman that same day.

Trace Adkins Appears On Silver Screen In An American Carol Next Month
Trace Adkins's new feature film, An American Carol, will be released in theaters across the country on October 3rd. The singer plays the "Angel of Death," one of three spirits visiting an infamous Hollywood filmmaker who has made a career out of criticizing America. Adkins said, "I'm the guy who performs the same function that the Grim Reaper did in the Charles Dickens tale - he's showing this guy what the future could possibly look like and is trying to scare him straight." An American Carol also stars Kevin Farley, Kelsey Grammer, Leslie Neilsen, Dennis Hopper, James Woods, and Jon Voight. Adkins will release his career 10th album in November.
An American Carol Trailer

Pickler's Quiet Romance
Kellie Pickler is keeping things with new boyfriend, songwriter Kyle Jacobs (Garth Brooks' "More Than a Memory"), very low-key. Rather than spending nights club-hopping or going to fancy restaurants, she says they prefer lounging on the couch. "We usually just enjoy each other's company and make each other laugh," she tells OK! magazine. The "Red High Heels" singer also shares a few of her makeup secrets, saying she'd be lost without her "team of highly-trained professionals" who help get her ready for public appearances. And although Pickler isn't a big fan of cosmetics, she confesses to something of an addiction to mascara.

NOW At #1!
NOW That's What I Call Country debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart this week. The compilation contains today's hottest country hits from the superstars of country music as well as the best new artists in the format. The ultimate country music collection features hits by Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, George Strait, Reba, and many more. In addition, the CD will unlock free downloads from hot new country artists: Jamey Johnson, Ashton Shepherd, Chuck Wicks, Emily West, Eric Church, and The Lost Trailers. NOW That's What I Call Country is the first country music project for the world's best selling multi-artist album series NOW That's What I Call Music!, which have collectively sold nearly 70 million units in the US in the last 10 years.

NOW That's What I Call Country Track Listing
1. CARRIE UNDERWOOD "All-American Girl"
2. RASCAL FLATTS "Winner At A Losing Game"
3. GARY ALLAN "Watching Airplanes"
4. REBA McENTIRE duet with KELLY CLARKSON "Because Of You"
5. KEITH URBAN "Everybody"
6. SUGARLAND "Stay"
7. LADY ANTEBELLUM "Love Don't Live Here"
8. TAYLOR SWIFT "Picture To Burn"
9. DIERKS BENTLEY "Trying To Stop Your Leaving"
10. LUKE BRYAN "All My Friends Say"
11. BRAD PAISLEY "Letter To Me"
12. GEORGE STRAIT "I Saw God Today"
13. JULIANNE HOUGH "That Song In My Head"
14. SARA EVANS "As If"
15. KENNY CHESNEY "Don't Blink"
16. TRACE ADKINS "You're Gonna Miss This"
17. CHRIS CAGLE "What Kinda Gone"
18. KELLIE PICKLER "Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind"
19. JOSH TURNER featuring TRISHA YEARWOOD "Another Try"
20. JASON MICHAEL CARROLL "Alyssa Lies"

Carrie Stands Up
Carrie Underwood is looking forward to participating in the Stand Up To Cancer fund-raising event which will be broadcast simultaneously as a one-hour commercial-free special on ABC, CBS, and NBC networks. In a note posted on her website yesterday (September 3rd), Underwood said, "It seems that everyone has been touched by cancer these days, whether it be a personal experience, a family member or friend, or their families. If by participating in this charity effort I entice just one person to give funds for cancer research, then it will be so worthwhile." She will be joined by Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Sheryl Crow, and Melissa Etheridge, to perform their single "Just Stand Up" created especially for the event. This would be the first live performance from the all-star gathering for television. The "Just Stand Up" single, which was produced by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "L.A." Reid, is available for purchase exclusively at the iTunes Store. All proceeds from the song will be donated to the charity effort.

Rimes: "I Have Psoriasis"
LeAnn Rimes has opened up about the fact that she's been dealing with the chronic autoimmune disease psoriasis since she was a toddler. The singer has spent years trying to cover the red, scaly patches that have plagued her. She told People magazine, "Not only does that take a physical toll on your body, but it takes an emotional toll. I was very self-conscious." These days, Rimes credits medication, stress management, and a healthy diet with keeping her symptom-free. She hopes to help others suffering with the same affliction in a new public service announcement as part of the "Stop Hiding" campaign. Psoriasis affects as many as seven million Americans.

Saying Goodbye To The Legendary Jerry Reed a/k/a Cledus "Snowman" Snow
Jerry Reed, the singer, songwriter, guitarist and actor whose No. 1 country hits include "When You're Hot, You're Hot," "Lord, Mr. Ford" and "She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)," died Tuesday (Sept. 2). He had been diagnosed with emphysema and was in hospice care. Although he was nicknamed "The Guitar Man," Jerry Reed Hubbard was also known for his comedic roles in the films Smokey and the Bandit and The Waterboy. Elvis Presley recorded two of Reed's songs, "U.S. Male" and "Guitar Man," and was invited by Presley's producer to play his distinctive "claw-style" guitar licks on the studio recordings as well. Reed's other hits as a performer include "East Bound and Down" (from Smokey and the Bandit) and "The Bird" (which included impressions of Willie Nelson and George Jones). By the time Mr. Reed came to popular attention as Burt Reynolds’ truck-driving sidekick “The Snowman” in the Hollywood trilogy Smokey and the Bandit, he was already a musical deity to the guitar players who admired the syncopated flurries he unleashed with a casual gleam. We wish you well, Snowman. And we'll miss you.

Jimmy Wayne's #1
Jimmy Wayne has his first chart-topping hit. "Do You Believe Me Now" has climbed to number one on both the "Country Aircheck" and "Billboard" country singles charts. The song is the title track from Wayne's latest album, which was released last Tuesday. Not only is "Do You Believe Me Now" the singer's first number one single, it's the first chart-topper for his label, The Valory Music Co. Wayne learned of his chart accomplishment Monday, while he was performing on the 43rd annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. Jimmy says it's a great feeling to have his first number one. He adds, quote, "Not many people get their first shot at living their dream, but I have been given two chances now, and I can't thank country radio, country music fans, and my record label enough for all of their support."

Jewel's Fantasies
Jewel claims that when she wrote her current single "I Do" she had no idea her life would soon imitate her art. Although she did write the song about her relationship with new husband Ty Murray, the two had not made plans to wed when she wrote the song or when she asked him to be in the video. The day after the video shoot was Jewel's birthday, and that's when Ty popped the question. The singer says, "It was like a dream come true, but also was a song come true." Jewel notes that writing such a personal song is nothing new for her because, "my whole career I have written very personal and autobiographical songs." Jewel and Ty met in 1999, at the Denver Rodeo and Live Stock Show and Jewel says she still feels very luck to be with him. Jewel managed to come up with an original idea for her latest video, "I Do." The singer told us that after so many singles, however, it was no easy task. ["It's hard. I think this is my 17th video, or something like that, and coming up with anything original after this many years is really hard, and I actually did get to do a video that I haven't done anything like it before, and it involves 1980's hot rods, which I'm obsessed with, like, an '81 Camaro T-top, so I just lived out some fantasies, basically."

Blake's Confidence
Blake Shelton is feeling more confident as an artist these days, thanks in part to his recent Number One hit, "Home." The singer said he always used to believe that each chart-topper could be his last, but as Shelton told us, he's singing a different tune these days. "I won't sit here and say that I think it's my last one like I used to because I think for the first time we're starting to get my act together and I'm not so scattered like I've been in the past. I'm really focusing more on my music and who I am than I ever have before." Shelton added that he's learned the importance of defining himself as an artist. "I always thought that would take care of itself and that I would go down this path of life and music and that I'd end up being this artist at the end of the day, and I'm finding that it's something that I had to work on harder than that. (I had to) really beat myself up over who I am and what do I want to stand for and what kind of music I want to do and (I'm) just now figuring that out." Shelton is working on a new album that will be released later this year. The album's debut single, "She Wouldn't Be Gone," is already climbing the charts. He and girlfriend Miranda Lambert will co-headline an arena tour together this fall.

Paisley/Flatts: Hot Tix
Brad Paisley's Paisley Party tour continues to pull in huge crowds. Over the weekend, Paisley and special guests Jewel, Julianne Hough, and Chuck Wicks performed for more than 50,000 fans at shows in Cleveland, Philadelphia and Virginia Beach. The next dates on the Paisley Party tour are on September 18th, 19th and 20th in Atlanta, Tampa and West Palm Beach, respectively. Rascal Flatts' Bob that Head tour sold out Cincinnati's River Bend Music Center this weekend for the fourth straight year. The trio also sold out weekend shows in Pittsburgh and Syracuse at the New York State Fair. The Bob That Head tour runs through November 2nd in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Flatts will also be in New York City on September 10th to appear on Good Morning America to announce the final nominees for the 42nd annual CMA Awards. Winners will be announced live on November 12th on ABC. Rascal Flatts are the reigning CMA Vocal Group winners since 2003.

Sugarland? More Like Surferland - Jennifer Nettles On "All I Want To Do" Video
The duo's intent with "All I Want To Do" was to have a lot of swing to the lead single of this album. To funk it up a bit, and keep it very hooky. Musically, this number's somewhere between Bonnie Raitt and Jack Johnson, with some Marvin Gaye and Van Halen thrown in. "I love the flirty sound," says Jennifer Nettles. "We just always want to bring different energies, and we got to play on the lighter side this time." The video was filmed in Hawaii. Jennifer tried surfing for the first time and loved it.
Kristian and Jenn do a little CROWD-surfing at CMA Fest 08

Kix Answers Democrats
After the Democratic Convention made use of Brooks & Dunn's song "Only in America" during Thursday's (August 28th) convention, the duo's Kix Brooks responded in a release, saying, "Seems ironic that the same song Bush used at the Republican convention last election would be used by Obama and the Democrats now. Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans." Brooks & Dunn continue their Cowboy Town tour with special guests ZZ Top, performing at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday (September 5th).
Kix & Ronnie on Politics and Cowboy Town

Rimes' Clock Is Ticking
LeAnn Rimes and her husband, Dean Sheremet, are hoping to start a family soon. The couple celebrated their upcoming seventh wedding anniversary, as well as Rimes' 26th birthday, with a small bash last week at the Calistoga Ranch in California's Napa Valley. And now, Rimes tells People.com that she and her hubby are thinking about having a baby soon. She said, "We're ready, definitely." Meanwhile, Rimes' good pal, Keith Urban, has been chiming in too. The new dad has actually been encouraging Rimes to "start gettin' on it." Rimes said last year that her fans have been pressuring her to have a kid: "I have gotten so many crazy comments - people going, 'You need to have a baby!' I'm like, 'What?' People feel like they have... they're like my parents or my grandparents or my brother and sister, and they're like, 'You've been waiting too long. We've been waiting on you to announce that.' (laughter) And I'm like, 'Hold on a second - what??' It's so funny, the comments that I get from people." Rimes is out with her latest single, called "What I Cannot Change," which she says is about forgiveness and acceptance. She's encouraging fans to go to the site, WhatICannotChange.com, to share their own personal stories about the subject. Rimes kicks off her fall tour on September 10th in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Tritt: "I'm No Mariah"
Travis Tritt may possess one of the most powerful, unique voices in country music, but don't bother trying to tell him that. What the Georgia native will admit he does have going for him is versatility. "I can play just about any position on the field," Tritt recently told the Foster's Daily Democrat. "In my opinion, I'm not a home-run hitter. I'm not the kind of person I think who people say 'He's the greatest singer I've ever heard.' I don't have that kind of voice. That belonged to Ray Charles or a Mariah Carey, those kinds of people. I'm not someone considered the most prolific songwriter on the face of the planet like a Bob Dylan."

Kid Rock Going Digital
Kid Rock's latest album, Rock 'n' Roll Jesus, and its smash single, "All Summer Long," will soon be available digitally through online outlets such as Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and BestBuy.com, according to Billboard.com. But only the complete album will be available for download, with "All Summer Long" not released separately. Rock's co-manager, Ken Levitan, said, "We get so caught up in technology and ease (of downloading a single)...there's nothing wrong with listening to a whole record from start to finish." But Rock will continue to keep his music off iTunes in the U.S., although it is available overseas. Rock said, "I tell people in my organization, 'Do not ever come up to me and say, "This is what everyone's doing and how they're doing it"...As soon as someone says, 'You have to be on iTunes ... they're the Number One retailer'...I don't have to...You're not going to stop people from obtaining what they want if it's available at some level." Rock has said that he does not want iTunes telling him how to make his music available or what price to charge. Meanwhile, Rock and his Twisted Brown Trucker Band recently recorded a new song called "Warrior" for a National Guard commercial. The track will also be available for download at the National Guard website. Rock is also looking at launching his own personally-branded beer and cigar lines, saying, "I like (branding opportunities) when it's something I'm into, and I'm definitely into beer and cigars. You probably won't see me on the cover of a Wheaties box or selling Tide detergent, because it's irrelevant to me." Rock will next perform this Friday (September 5th) at the Fashion Rocks concert in New York City.
Kid Rock "All Summer Long"

Jessica Simpson: "I Have Been In A Very, Very Abusive Relationship..."
Jessica Simpson's upcoming country album, Do You Know, is a very personal project for the singer, who had a hand in writing the majority of the CD's songs. Simpson said there is nothing on the album that she has not experienced, including a song about an abusive relationship, called "Remember That." Simpson told us that, in fact, she has been the victim of abuse. "I didn't write the song, but when I heard it I automatically started crying because I have been in a very, very abusive relationship. It's important for me to let people that are in an abusive situation know that, 'I've stood there in your shoes.'" The song is about as much as Simpson will say about that relationship. The singer said that she has no intention of sharing any details of her situation in the future. "No, I don't. I opened up about that with my family and my closest friends, but I think the fact that I'm taking the stand and actually singing about it is probably as far as I'll go in that. I'm not gonna go do Diane Sawyer or Barbara Walters and like start breaking down or something (laughter)." Do You Know will be released on September 9th. The album's debut single, "Come On Over," continues its climb up the country charts.
Jessica Simpson on The View "Come on Over"

Alan Jackson's 50th
Fifty is a big number in Alan Jackson's life this year. The singer recently celebrated sales of 50 million albums, and he will turn the big 5-0 on October 17th. The superstar told us his plans for the big birthday are still up in the air. "They're a couple of good milestones, and I'm glad to reach both of them. My wife keeps asking me, 'What do you want to do about your big 50th birthday?' I said, 'Well, I don't know if I want to just kind of do it quietly or blow it out,' so we're still back and forth. I don't know." Jackson will kick off his fall Good Time tour with openers Trace Adkins and James Otto on October 2nd in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Trace's USO Tour
Trace Adkins will participate in a week-long USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour to the Persian Gulf. During his visit, Adkins will perform and meet-and-greet the troops. Adkins said, "I'm really humbled by the opportunity to spend more time with our nation's finest. This is such an honor for me to be able to visit with our military and tell them how much we truly appreciate all the sacrifices they make for our country and our freedom." Adkins will kick off the Good Time tour with headliner Alan Jackson on October 2nd in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Carrie's Ringtone Records
Carrie Underwood is the first country artist ever to have two songs achieve platinum mastertone status with the certification of her Grammy-winning hit, "Jesus, Take the Wheel." The first song to reach that status was "Before He Cheats," which was certified platinum last year. Both songs are featured on Underwood's seven million-selling debut album, Some Hearts. Underwood is also the only artist in country chart history to have her first seven singles all reach Number One. The former American Idol co-wrote her three most recent chart-toppers - "So Small," "All-American Girl," and "Last Name." The fourth single from Underwood's current Carnival Ride album, called "Just a Dream," continues its climb up the charts. Watch the official video for "Just a Dream" here.

Country at GOP Convention
John Rich will appear with presidential candidate John McCain at rallies near Pittsburgh and St. Louis before traveling to Minneapolis to perform his original song, "Raisin' McCain," at the Republican National Convention on Sept. 3. The same day, Rich will join Gretchen Wilson and Cowboy Troy to perform "Our America" at the convention. Rich recently introduced "Raisin' McCain" during a rally the candidate attended in Florida. He will appear at McCain rallies taking place Saturday (Aug. 30) in Washington, Pa., and Sunday (Aug. 31) in O'Fallon, Mo.
John Rich "Raisin' McCain"

Get Ready To "Bob That Head" With Rascal Flatts On Saturdays This Football Season!
Rascal Flatts' "Bob That Head" has been rewritten and recorded as a new version to open each Raycom Sports telecast of ACC and SEC football for the 2008 season. Raycom owns the syndicated television rights to ACC and SEC football. Rascal Flatts also personalized a greeting to air for each conference. The original version of the song appeared on Rascal Flatts' Still Feels Good album. Lead vocalist Gary LeVox wrote the song with Michael Dulaney and Neil Thrasher. "We can't think of anything more fun and exciting than mixing two of our favorites things - music and football," LeVox said. The new version of the song debuts Saturday (Aug. 30) when the Florida Gators host the Hawaii Warriors.
Rascal Flatts on Today "Bob That Head"

Keith Anderson's Band
Keith Anderson is the closest he's ever come to having a Number One hit with his latest single, "I Still Miss You." The singer trails behind Keith Urban, who claims the top of the charts this week with "You Look Good In My Shirt." The success of the song is bittersweet for Anderson, whose mother lost her battle with cancer several weeks ago and to whom he dedicates the song. Dealing with the loss of his mother and having to sing that very personal song each night on stage has proved a challenge for Anderson, who told us that his common bond with his bandmembers have really helped him get through the tough times. "You gotta believe God puts people in your life at the right time for the right reason, and I've got this band and crew that are just amazing, and what I had no idea about until this happened (is that) seven of the 10 guys in my crew have lost their mom in the last two and a half years, and so it's a group of guys that I can lean on and during a show... We've had talks about, 'What happens if I can't get through it? What do we do next?' The next song will have a big long intro and let me get off stage." Anderson adds that having the support of his bandmates has given him a sense of strength he might not otherwise have. "These guys are just there. I can turn around at any point and not only are they just encouraging me (but) I'm just looking at 'em going, 'Okay, I know you know what I'm going through,' and so that's been a big help having those guys out there. It's tough when the biggest single of your career is happening right now and it's so closely paralleled to what you're going through."

Faith's Christmas CD
The much rumored, highly anticipated Christmas album from 5-time Grammy Award winner Faith Hill will bring Joy To The World on Tuesday, September 30th. The 11-song CD, which already has the industry buzzing, combines some of the season's most recognizable and beloved classics, with one of America's most respected vocalists. The recording, which was 2 years in the making, features The Nashville String Machine as well as the London-based choirs Metro Voices and The London Oratory School Boys Choir. Grammy Award winner David Campbell (Paul McCartney, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Beyonce) provides a newly composed full orchestration for Joy, which gives such classics as "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "Little Drummer Boy," "Winter Wonderland," and "Holly Jolly Christmas" a fresh, unique, and at times big band groove."I had a very clear vision for the type of Christmas album that I wanted to make," said Faith. "Indicative of the big band orchestras of the 40s and 50s, with a full compliment of horns, stings, woodwinds, percussion, and chorales. David's orchestrations were a gift. They embodied everything that I could have imaged; unique and beautiful, and yet they seem as though they were always intended for these songs." Joy To The World<'i> will also feature the original single "A Baby Changes Everything," written by Nashville songwriters Tim Nichols, Craig Wiseman and K.K. Wiseman. It features Faith at her finest, delivering a powerful and emotional vocal with her usual passion and precision.
FULL TRACK LISTING - JOY TO THE WORLD
1. Joy To The World
2. What Child Is This
3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
4. Little Drummer Boy
5. O Come All Ye Faithful
6. Holly Jolly Christmas
7. Away In A Manger
8. O Holy Night
9. Winter Wonderland
10. Silent Night
11. A Baby Changes Everything

New Currington Coming
Billy Currington's third album, Little Bit of Everything, will be released on Oct. 14 by Mercury Nashville. Currington co-produced the album with Carson Chamberlain and co-wrote five of the 12 songs. He recently filmed the video for his latest single, "Don't." "People kept asking what kind of music they'd hear on this next album, whether it was going to be R&B, pop, country, or rock, and I seemed to keep saying the same thing," said Currington. "It's going to be a 'little bit of everything,' I guess." Currington has topped the country singles chart with "Good Directions" and "Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right."

Yet Another Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus was recently in Tarzana, California to film the music video for his newly released single, "Somebody Said A Prayer." The clip features a cameo by Cyrus' son, Trace, who is the lead guitarist for the rock band Metro Station. The video will debut on the video networks in the next few weeks. "Somebody Said A Prayer" will be included on Cyrus' upcoming CD, Back To Tennessee, which will be released later this year.

Martina Cancels Thursday Show Due To Flooding At Verizon Wireless Music Center
Live Nation Concerts announced today that the Martina McBride show has been canceled. Here's the offical statement:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BIRMINGHAM, AL (08.27.08)
DUE TO FLOODING IN THE AREA AND RESULTING DAMAGES IN THE VENUE, THE MARTINA MCBRIDE CONCERT SCHEDULED FOR THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 28TH AT THE VERIZON WIRELESS MUSIC CENTER HAS BEEN CANCELED. REFUNDS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE POINT OF PURCHASE.
A posting on Martina's website added this message to fans: ... No word yet on rescheduling plan. We apologize to all the fans who hold tickets for the event. If we get any more news we will post it.

McGraw Greatest Hits 3
It looks as if Tim McGraw has yet another best-of set planned for his fans. Greatest Hits 3, due Oct. 7, is expected to feature 12 tracks, including "Let It Go," "If You're Reading This," "Suspicions," and "Last Dollar (Fly Away)." Elsewhere, Tim has been tapped to host and perform at the next Music City Jam, a regular highlight of each Country Radio Seminar. The show will take place March 4, 2009, in Nashville.
Greatest Hits 3 Track Listings
1. Back When
2. Last Dollar (Fly Away)
3. If You' re Reading This
4. Do You Want Fries With That
5. Unbroken
6. Can' t Be Really Gone
7. Angry All The Time
8. Suspicions
9. Find Out Who Your Friends Are (featuring Tracy Lawrence)
10. Let It Go
11. Real Good Man
12. 9 Lives (featuring Def Leppard)

Sara's Next Project
Last October, Sara Evans celebrated 10 years in the music business with the release of Greatest Hits, which bowed at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and reached No. 3 on the Top Country Albums chart. In addition to several No. 1 and Top 5 singles, the set features four new songs, including radio hits "As If" and "Some Things Never Change," both of which are streaming at Sara's MySpace page. Evans' most recent album of all-new material, 2005's platinum-selling "Real Fine Place," rocketed to No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and spawned hit singles "Cheatin'," "You'll Always Be My Baby," "Coalmine," and the title track. Her voice can also be heard on the new version of the classic Libby's jingle, which debuts next month. Evans is the first celebrity to record the tune, and she's partnering with Libby's Vegetables to designate September as "Get Back to the Table Month." The singer said she jumped at the chance to remake the jingle. "It's really a tribute to one of the simple joys of life - time as a family," Evans said in a statement.

New Country Albums
The Lost Trailers and Jimmy Wayne both released new country albums on Tuesday (Aug. 26). The Lost Trailers' second album on BNA Records, Holler Back, features the hit title track. The band will perform Wednesday (Aug. 27) at Joe's Bar in Chicago. Jimmy Wayne's Do You Believe Me Now (Valory Music Co.) includes a successful title track, as well as a duet with Patty Loveless, "No Good for Me." Other new country releases this week include Jason Boland & the Straggler's Comal County Blue (Apex Nashville) and the compilation, Now That's What I Call Country (Universal).

No Jessica & Carrie Feud Don't believe everything you read, especially when it comes to Jessica Simpson. The singer says that despite reports of an ongoing feud with Carrie Underwood over her current and Underwood's former beau, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, she has nothing but respect for the former American Idol. "Carrie has one of my favorite voices in country music. I think she has an amazing voice. The media are making it completely different, you know? I don't feel that I'm in competition with her at all. Like, I just don't. I'm just writing music and singing. Well, she dated the guy I'm dating and I think that's obviously easy to start friction or whatever, but I have no bad feelings towards Carrie." In fact, Simpson added that she can only hope to accomplish a portion of what Underwood has so far. "I do respect her very much. I think she's great at what she does, and, my gosh, if I could have half - not even half! - If I could have a little bit of what she has that would be amazing!" Simpson's debut album, Do You Know, will be in stores on September 9th. The singer will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on September 6th. Simpson's portion of the show will be televised on Opry Live, which airs on GAC at 8 p.m. CT.

Keith Urban Suffers A Slipped Disc - But No Shows Have Been Canceled
Keith Urban has been diagnosed with a slipped disc, but his performance schedule has not been affected, his publicist said Tuesday (Aug. 26). Urban alluded to the problem Saturday night (Aug. 23) during a concert at the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa in Kelseyville, Calif. Contacted by CMT.com, publicist Paul Freundlich confirmed the slipped disc but declined to elaborate on the cause and severity of the injury. Urban is scheduled to travel to Canada to headline Saturday's (Aug. 30) Country Rocks Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Freundlich said, "Next stop New York City for his performance at Fashion Rocks and the NFL's Kickoff Show to take place in Columbus Circle in front of an estimated 70,000." Both of Urban's New York appearances take place Sept. 5. In addition to the NFL event with R&B star Usher, he will tape the Fashion Rocks concert with Beyoncé, Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown, Duffy, Justin Timberlake, Kid Rock, and others at Radio City Music Hall for a CBS special to air Sept. 9.

Sara Skating for Life
Sara Evans is lacing up her skates for a good cause. The country star (and former Dancing With the Stars contestant) is teaming up with ice skating legend Peggy Fleming on an NBC television special, Skating For Life. The show will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a foundation that funds breast cancer research and helps cancer victims. On the show, Evans will sing live while top skaters from around the world perform on the ice. In addition to Fleming, participating skaters include Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen, three-time U.S. National champion Johnny Weir, U.S. National champion Rudy Galindo, and many more.

Josh Turner in NYC
Josh Turner will be the special guest when the CMA Songwriters Series returns to Joe's Pub in New York City on Sept. 9. The series is similar to the intimate singer-songwriter performances that take place daily at small venues in Nashville. Songwriter Bob DiPiero, whose credits include George Strait's "Blue Clear Sky," will host the event taking place the night before the final nominees for this year's CMA Awards are announced in New York on Good Morning America and in Nashville on CMT Insider. Also appearing at the club are Gary Burr and Sam and Annie Tate. The performances at Joe's Pub are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., but Turner will only appear at the late show.
In The Studio with Josh Turner

Patty Loveless Touring
Patty Loveless will be embarking on a tour of theaters to promote her new album, Sleepless Nights, to be released on Sept. 9 by Saguaro Roads Records. The tour, her first in three years, begins Sept. 26 in State College, Pa., and initially includes 12 cities through early November, with additional stops to be announced soon. The shows include performances Oct. 1-2 at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Va. Sleepless Nights features her interpretations of classic country songs popularized by George Jones, Ray Price, Hank Williams, and Webb Pierce, among others.

New Idol Judge?
Pop songwriter Kara DioGuardi will serve as a fourth judge on the upcoming season of American Idol, and she already has ties to Nashville. Her writing credits include Carrie Underwood's "Sometimes You Leave" (from Carnival Ride) and Faith Hill's "Lost" (from The Hits). DioGuardi's website also indicates that Martina McBride has cut one of her songs for a forthcoming release. The eighth season of American Idol will debut in January with returning judges Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson.
For Your Funny Bone, Judge This Idol Audition

Rascal Flatts - Greatest Hits Collection Due Oct. 28 - With Limited Edition Bonus Tracks
After spending more than twenty-five weeks at the top of the radio charts and selling more than 17 million albums, country music's favorite band, Rascal Flatts, will release its first ever greatest hits collection on October 28. Greatest Hits Volume 1 will chronicle Rascal Flatts's rise as the biggest selling country band of the decade and will highlight the band's best songs that have made them the ACM, CMA, CMT and AMA reigning Group of the Year for several years running. It will offer up sixteen tracks, including thirteen of the vocal group's smash hits like "What Hurts The Most," "Life Is A Highway," "I'm Movin' On" and the six week #1 smash "Bless The Broken Road." The initial limited edition release will be presented in a special foil-embossed 2 CD package. This limited edition version will include three newly recorded Christmas songs as bonus tracks - the classic "White Christmas," "Jingle Bell Rock" and an a capella version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas." The three holiday tracks will be available as part of Rascal Flatts's Greatest Hits Volume 1 for a limited time and are the only Christmas songs currently available from the band.
Rascal Flatts Greatest Hits Volume 1 track listing
Prayin' For Daylight
I'm Movin' On
These Days
I Melt
Mayberry
Feels Like Today
Bless The Broken Road
Fast Cars And Freedom
Skin (Sarabeth)
My Wish
What Hurts The Most
Stand
Life Is A Highway
LIMITED EDITION Bonus tracks
White Christmas
Jingle Bell Rock
I'll Be Home For Christmas

Taylor's Fearless Revealed
Taylor Swift has officially unveiled the cover of her new album, Fearless, which is now available for pre-orders at TheTaylorNation.com. The 13-track album will be released on Nov. 11 by Big Machine Records. As part of the pre-order promotion, Swift's fans will get the opportunity to have their own images included in the album packaging within a mosaic photo poster which will also be featured online at TheTaylorNation site. Three pre-order options are priced from $13.88 to $75. At the top level, the CD will come in a limited edition collector's box which also includes a leather bracelet, T-shirt, photo book, a "Taylor Nation" decal and a locker poster. One fan who purchases the $75 package will win what's described as the "Ultimate Taylor Swift Fan Experience," a prize that includes airfare and hotel for two to attend a concert, a meet-and-greet at the show, a tour of Swift's bus, and an autographed guitar. The $40 price point includes the album and a chance to be included in the mosaic poster. (Inclusion in the poster is limited to 10,000 fans who choose the $40 or $75 options.) For $13.88 you get the CD.

Dolly's Death Rumors
Dolly Parton is alive and well. The singer's public relations agent Pete Owens tells Knoxville, Tennessee's WBIR-TV he believes rumors of Parton's demise started circulating last Friday, after word of her succumbing to congestive heart failure was erroneously announced at a high school football game. He notes that he's not sure where the people at the game got their information. Owens says Parton has opted against issuing an official statement herself to verify that she's still among the living, adding that she doesn't want to address it.

Miranda & Blake
Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton performed their first full-length concert together re cently at the Monroe County Fair in Monroe, Mich., about halfway between Detroit and Toledo, Ohio. Both artists kept up the momentum of the concert by playing two mini-sets each, with an acoustic song-swap in the middle and a big finale. "This was just an idea and an experiment - mainly because we wanted to see each other more often," Shelton told the crowd gathered on the inside of a dirt racetrack as well as in the grandstands. For more than two hours, the couple traded time in the spotlight, with nobody dominating the night, although Shelton might have sung a handful more songs than Lambert (but then again, he's been around a few years longer). Lambert and Shelton timed the concert just right because their collaboration on "Home" turned out to be the country love song of the summer. Even though the Michael Bublé hit is a relatively new song (to country audiences anyway), you could hear rows and rows of people singing with them. Bringing both bands together onstage, they closed the night with a rousing rendition of Charlie Daniels' "The South's Gonna Do It Again." Strange choice, considering they were in Michigan. But I guess that's what experiments are for.

Joe Nichols To Convention
Joe Nichols is tossing his hat in the ring for the upcoming Republican National Convention — not as a candidate, or as a delegate, but as a performer at the Grammys Rock The Convention benefit. The concert, set for Sept. 2 in Minneapolis, is intended by the Recording Academy as a bipartisan event to educate the nation’s politicians on issues that affect music and musicians. A Grammy-related show is also slated for the Democratic convention in Denver. Joe’s performance takes place at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus, where he’ll share the bill with pop singer Greg Laswell, pop-rock band The Abdomen and country songwriter Brett James, whose credits include Martina McBride’s "Blessed," Tim McGraw’s "Drugs Or Jesus," Carrie Underwood’s "Jesus, Take The Wheel" and Jessica Andrews’ "Who I Am." Brett almost has to perform the latter song at the Recording Academy concert: It actually features a Grammy reference in its lyrics. That event is just the latest addition to country’s presence outside the convention. LeAnn Rimes and the Bellamy Brothers play a private show at Trocaderos on Sept. 1, while Gretchen Wilson, John Rich and Cowboy Troy will invade the same venue the next night. Charlie Daniels plays Sept. 3 in a Creative Coalition Gala Concert, and the same night, Clay Walker will perform with a band that includes former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee on bass. Steve Earle and Allison Moorer provide decidedly dissenting voices when they perform Sept. 1 at a free concert in Harriet Island Park.