Song of the Week (April 10, 2011)

The Southern Drawl's Song of the Week goes to Rascal Flatts for "I Won't Let Go."

Be sure to click the link to listen to the song and see the music video, courtesy CMT.com





Photo Source: By Joltmanns (Own work by uploader: Janel) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

Saturday's News and Tidbits

George Strait invested in a golf course recently. (Source: CMT)

Kris Kristofferson will be honored at the Nashville Film Festival. (Source: CMT)

The 10 Sexiest Women in Country Music: #7 Danelle Leverett

The JaneDear Girls - Wildflower (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: The JaneDear Girls

Everyone has a favorite JaneDear girl, at least that’s what every country radio station says anyway, often asking the audience which one they prefer? Well, Danelle Leverett is the one that graces the no. 7 spot in this series of country music’s sexiest women in the industry.

Before picking up the guitar and endearing herself to the country music world, Danelle Leverett was poised to be a sports junky. In fact, leading up to her time in high school, the JaneDear girl guitarist was an accomplished gymnast growing up in a family where sports was the big thing in the household, not music. That all changed when a pole vaulting accident pushed Leverett’s gymnastic activities to the back burner and had her looking at other aspirations.

While on the shelf, Leverett not only took on the guitar, but she also turned to songwriting as her new hobby. The path to her career as a JaneDear girl was well on its way. Leverett was winning songwriting competitions leading up to her college days and was actually signed to an independent record deal while still in college. Not being tempted by the fame and fortune ahead, Leverett stayed in school and graduated before moving to Nashville in hopes of making it big.

The country music capital would be where Leverett met fellow bandmate Susie Brown, instantly hitting it off and forming what is now a very popular up-and-coming group, the JaneDear girls. While the duo struggled to meet ends meet at first, that all changed when they met Big and Rich star, John Rich. Rich was so impressed with the girls’ talent that he helped them land a record deal with Warner Music Nashville. Obviously the rest is history. The JaneDear girls released their first single “Wildflower,” which ended up being a huge success -- welcoming the JaneDear girls to country music, and men to Danelle Leverett.

Why she’s sexy: Like Kellie Pickler, Danelle Leverett definitely has that girl next door feel to her. While the two are noticeably different in physique and style, each has their own way of drawing in the guys to their corner.

Danelle Leverett doesn’t have the body of a Kellie Pickler. That is in no way a slight against the JaneDear girl guitarist, who still offers a slender body that may lack in curves, but is still appealing nonetheless. She also breaks the blonde hair, bright eyes shtick that’s been rocking the list so far, showing that long wavy blonde hair and brown eyes are just as sexy as what the bright eyed women have to offer.

What makes Leverett so sexy, is her musical talent. Not only does she provide backup vocals to Susie Brown, but she also plays the guitar, the banjo and the harmonica. Watching her shred the axe, blonde hair waving around carelessly, long thin legs stomping the ground as she stakes claim to the stage -- is there anything hotter than that?

Danelle Leverett pretty much exemplifies the very definition of the total package in what it means to be sexy in country music. All of the women on this list have been gorgeous, that’s a given, but Leverett is gorgeous and her audience gets to see her rock out on that guitar she clearly knows how to play. While a thick southern drawl is sexy to hear in country music, it’s just as sexy, if not more, to see a woman sing and tear it up on the guitar -- something Danelle Leverett does every time you see the JaneDear girls play.

GAC's Top 20 Music Videos (April 9, 2011)

20. Rascal Flatts - I Won’t Let Go
19. Brad Paisley - This Is Country Music
18. Zac Brown Band - Colder Weather
17. Billy Currington - Let Me Down Easy
16. Ashton Shepherd - Look It Up
15. Trace Adkins - Brown Chicken Brown Cow
14. Taylor Swift - Back To December
13. The Band Perry - You Lie
12. Sara Evans - A Little Bit Stronger
11. Mark Wills - Looking For America
10. Reba McEntire - If I Were A Boy
9. Sarah Darling - Something To Do With Your Hands
8. Keith Urban - Without You
7. Blake Shelton - Who Are You When I’m Not Looking
6. Thompson Square - Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not
5. Josh Turner - I Wouldn’t Be A Man
4. Brett Eldredge - Raymond
3. Carrie Underwood - Mama’s Song
2. Katie Armiger - Best Song Ever
1. Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson - Don’t You Wanna Stay


*Songs in bold are videos already appearing on CMT's Countdown.

Friday's News and Tidbits

Tim McGraw kicked off his “Emotional Traffic Tour” tonight.

Shooter Jennings and actress Drea de Matteo welcomed in a new baby boy to the family. (Source: CMT)

Sara Evans will perform on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” Tuesday, April 12th.

Don’t miss your chance to win a GAC guitar signed by Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Reba and more. Get the details on how to win here.

Carter’s Chord will release their EP “Wild Together” on May 5, 2011.

Gloriana’s new tour also started today.

Jason Aldean is set to perform with Kelly Clarkson on American Idol.

The 10 Sexiest Women in Country Music: #8 Kellie Pickler

No woman on this list personifies the “southern belle” tag more than Kellie Pickler does. She was raised in a small town in North Carolina (Albemarle), stays true to her roots to this day, living in Nashville Tennessee and has all the physical attributes that come to mind when you think of the sweethearts of the South. She’s undeniably beautiful, she’s always so loving and affectionate with her fans, Pickler’s charm constantly has people flocking to her and that thick Southern accent just adds to Kellie Pickler’s allure.

Life hasn’t always been kind to Kellie Pickler. Though she seemingly always has a smile on her face and always has something positive to say, Kellie has been through hardships a lot of people wouldn’t have been able to handle.

While a lot of children grow up having parents they are happy to model their lives off of, Kellie Pickler had no such luxury. By all intensive purposes, Pickler’s mom was never involved in her life, nor was her father, who was in-and-out of jail while she was a child. According to Lansinglowdown.com, Pickler grew up being raised by her grandparents, where she would stay until her stint on the fifth season of American Idol.

American Idol would prove to be Kellie Pickler’s launching pad. After her elimination on the show, Pickler signed with 19 Recordings/BNA Records and was instantly in the recording studio laying down tracks for her first album. Not only did the album go gold, but one of the cd’s singles “I Wonder” was Pickler’s song of choice when she was given a chance to perform at the CMA Awards. The emotional performance, a performance that had Kellie Pickler in tears, wow’d all her peers in the audience and earned her a CMT Award for Performance of the Year.

Now a seasoned vet, Kellie Pickler has four top 15 singles (Billboard Hot Country) to her name, “Best Days of Your Life” coming in as her first single to break the top ten (9). Her third album is currently in the works, though no release date has been announced yet and she is happily married to songwriter, Kyle Jacobs, who has filled that void in her life.

Why she’s sexy: Kellie Pickler very much has that girl next door quality to her, although if she really did live next door she’d have a lot of guys pulling a Shia LaBeouf/Disturbia game plan and buying up all the binoculars they can find.

Let’s just go ahead and say it -- Kellie Pickler has a smokin’ body. Without getting too out of control with the description, Pickler is the definition of voluptuous -- the curves being everywhere they need to be -- any guy can’t help but turn around and look as she passes by. While there is certainly more to Kellie Pickler than what’s below the neck, very few of the women on this list have the great physical attributes of the North Carolina native.

Where a lot of women often have one or the other, Pickler not only has a breath-taking body, but she also has a beautiful face. Her blonde hair and bright eyes suck you in and her dazzling white smile has the power to steal your attention away from anyone or anything.

When it comes to true beauty, both inner and outer -- Kellie Pickler may be right there near the top of the list. The looks are obviously there, but the fact that Kellie doesn’t act like a snob and is endearing to everyone who is a fan of hers (or not) attributes to her sex appeal. No one (well, maybe a few people) thinks the holier than thou attitude is sexy, and not only is Kellie Pickler the exact opposite of that, she may be the biggest sweetheart in country music. Admittedly a fan of the southern drawl, Kellie Pickler has a rich one that personally endears herself to me. It’s just one, of the many things that makes her one of the sexiest women in country music.

CMT's Top 20 Music Videos (April 8, 2011)

20. Blake Shelton - Kiss My Country Ass
19. Joe Nichols - The Shape I’m In
18. Alison Krauss and Union Station - Paper Airplane
17. Justin Bieber and Rascal Flatts - That Should Be Me
16. Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow - Collide
15. Brad Paisley - This Is Country Music
14. Trace Adkins - Brown Chicken Brown Cow
13. Reba McEntire - If I Were A Boy
12. Aaron Lewis - Country Boy
11. Darius Rucker - This
10. Jerrod Niemann - “What Do You Want”
9. Keith Urban - Without You
8. Lady Antebellum - Hello World
7. The Band Perry - You Lie
6. Sara Evans - A Little Bit Stronger
5. Taylor Swift - Back To December
4. Zac Brown Band - Colder Weather
3. Rascal Flatts - I Won’t Let Go
2. Thompson Square - Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not
1. Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson - Don’t You Wanna Stay




Rascal Flatts "I Won't Let Go" and Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson "Don't You Wanna Stay" music videos are courtesy CMT.com.
All others are thanks to YouTube

Thursday's News and Tidbits

Carrie Underwood said the strangest wedding gift she received was sky diving tickets.

Chris Young sang the National Anthem for the Chicago White Sox today.

Dierks Bentley had an interesting day at the airport. Upon passing through security the country star found a random pair of panties in his jean pocket.

Check out what Carrie Underwood had to say about her duet with Steven Tyler.

GAC was giving Ronnie Dunns’s new album rave reviews, despite being only half way through the album.

Taylor Swift is rumored to be dating “Country Strong” actor Garrett Hedlund. (Source: GAC)

“Country Strong” is due to be released on Blu-ray and DVD April 12.

The 10 Sexiest Women in Country Music: #9 Ashton Shepherd

One of country music’s newest artists is also one of it’s hottest. Ashton Shepherd may not be a household name quite yet, but her first single “Look it Up” is steadily climbing up the country charts and she’s poised to have all the country boys going crazy over her sooner rather than later.

Ashton is full blown country, being raised her whole life in Alabama. At a young age it was clear music was in her future, writing songs before she even turned 10 and learning how to play the guitar in her early teens. Once her skills were honed, Ashton took to the studio to record an album she could pass along when performing at some of the local bars.

According to the bio on her Website, Ashton’s big break came when she won a talent contest she entered in June of 2006. On hand was a record producer who took a copy of her cd, asked her to come to Nashville to lay down some tracks and the rest is history.

Now, Ashton is officially an up-and-comer. Her hit single “Look it Up” is all over the radio, she currently has the no.15 music video on the GAC Top 20 Countdown and she is set to be on the main stage of the CMA Music Festival -- a huge deal considering how briefly she’s been on the country scene. Ashton Shepherd’s talent has a huge ceiling and she’s only beginning to scratch the surface of what she can do.

Why she’s sexy: The sass, the sass, the sass! Oh my god, how does every guy not go crazy watching Ashton Shepherd stick it to that dirt bag in the “Look it Up” video? Everything she does in that video is sexy. Whether it’s telling off her scummy man in a typical flannel shirt that she makes look insanely hot for whatever reason, or destroying his trophies in that gold skirt that accentuates her long legs, guys are defenseless against her overwhelming sex appeal. She may not be the curviest woman there is, but what she doesn’t have in curves, she makes up for with a classically beautiful face and her immense musical talent.

And don’t discount how hot it is that she can write and play her own songs. While you often hear about how women go crazy for a guy who can play a guitar, so too do guys for women. Though the guitar is not prevalent in her first music video, Ashton, which was previously stated, does play the six string and has that country voice that drives so many men nuts. While the long wavy hair, cowgirl boots and tight jeans all add to the jaw dropping affect Ashton has, or will have on the male audience of country music, it’s surpassed by her sultry voice and musical talent.

Try not to stare fellas, but Ashton Shepherd has arrived.

Wednesday's News and Tidbits

Keith Urban is gracing this month’s issue of People Magazine.

Look for an update on how Loretta Lynn is holding up? Well, now you got it.

Carrie Underwood appeared on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno this evening and is scheduled to be on Ellen tomorrow (April 7th).

Speaking of Ellen, country music up-and-comer, Josh Kelley is set to perform at her show tomorrow, April 7th.

CMT.com’s Top Five Artists for the week are: Kid Rock, Sarah Darling, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift and Thompson Square (Source: CMT).

Country music icon, Merle Haggard celebrated a birthday today.

The Judds released “I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection” this week. The album features a multitude of hits and two new songs -- one being “Back Home,” a song that features Allison Krauss.

Lady Antebellum's single "Need You Now" is now the most downloaded country single of all time. (Source: GAC)

The 10 Sexiest Women in Country Music: #10 Laura Bell Bundy

Hard to deny Laura Bell Bundy’s place on the Top 10 Sexiest Women of Country Music. Sure, It’s quite obvious she has the looks for the list, but Bundy is extremely talented, in more ways than one.

Before ever getting started with country music, Bundy had a very successful stint on broadway. Not only was she the original Amber Von Tussle of “Hairspray” (the musical), but Bundy was also the original Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” (the broadway version) -- a role made famous by Reese Witherspoon. Laura Bell also has television acting experience, landing a role in the popular sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” as Becky, a co-anchor with one of the show’s main characters -- Robin.

In 2010, Laura Bell Bundy was introduced to the country music world with the provocative hit single “Giddy on Up.” The song would end up being nominated for two country awards -- CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year and ACA Video by New/Breakthrough Artist, both of which she was unable to win. Bundy was also featured in Miranda Lambert’s music video “Only Prettier,” where she was teamed up with fellow country hotties: Lambert, Kellie Pickler and Lady A’s Hillary Scott.

Why she’s sexy: Anyone who’s seen the music video for “Giddy on Up” knows exactly why Laura Bell Bundy is sooo sexy.

What doesn’t she have? She has curves in all the right places, a smile that’ll melt any man’s heart and hello, she’s not afraid to flaunt the gifts she’s clearly worked hard for. Add those amazing legs, brightly colored eyes, seductive dance moves and a clear southern accent to accentuate her music and you have one stimulating package of a woman.

The looks and talent not enough for you (and if they aren’t, what the heck is the matter with you?!)? Well the fact that she’s tougher than the average person should be. According to The Tennessean, on the second to last day Laura Bell Bundy was to perform as Elle Woods (this being Bundy’s third stint with the show), she fractured her arm during the performance. Instead of just going to the hospital immediately, surely, something no one would have faulted her for, she finished her performance and then went to the hospital.

That’s right, she’s sexy and she’s no sissy.

Laura Bell Bundy isn’t just your typical girly girl celebrity. Sure, she is insanely gorgeous and the way she can cut up a rug drives most men crazy, but talent is sexy too -- something she has in abundance. Whether it’s the acting that does it for you, the sultry looks, those hypnotizing, swaying hips, her style of country music or the fact that she’s tough as nails -- there’s no arguing Laura Bell Bundy’s sex appeal -- it’s huge.

Tuesday's News and Tidbits

Craig Campbell’s first album was released in stores (and iTunes) today.

GAC’s Album Review featured Anna Wilson’s Countrypolitan Duet and Craig Campbell’s self-titled debut album.

Lee Brice is still living it up in Vegas, though he seems to think all the other country stars have left town.

Chris Young thanked all his fans today on Twitter for all their support on his new single “Tomorrow.”

Eli Young Band will be releasing a five song EP on iTunes, May 3rd.

Miranda Lambert is working on a TV Drama that is based on her childhood (Source: CMT)

Blake Shelton’s “Honey Bee” has shot up to no.3 overall on the iTunes top songs.

Montgomery Gentry’s Troy Gentry celebrated a birthday today.

You can see the new video for Jaron and the Long Road to Love’s “Wednesday’s No Longer Suck” here.

Girls Night Out - Superstar Women of Country Music is set to air on April 22nd at 9PM ET, on CBS.

10 Songs Every Country Fan Should be Listening to Right Now.

* The Band Perry - You Lie
* Kenny Chesney - Live a Little
* Miranda Lambert - Heart Like Mine
* Dierks Bentley - Am I the Only One
* Taylor Swift - Mean
* Darius Rucker - This
* Keith Urban - Without You
* Rascal Flatts - I Won't Let Go
* Eric Church - Homeboy
* Blake Shelton - Honey Bee

Coming Tomorrow: The Sexiest Women in Country Music

Tomorrow marks the start of The Southern Drawl's 10 Sexiest Women in Country Music series. Be on the lookout for no.10 some time late in the afternoon/early evening tomorrow.

Monday's News and Tidbits

This month’s issue of Country Weekly is available on news stands now.

James Otto is leaving Vegas, going home to unpack and then repack for Kuwait for a week.

Blake Shelton’s new single “Honey Bee” is no.1 on iTunes Country and is in the Top 10 overall. Congrats, Blake.

The Grand Ole Opry is giving a lucky fan (and a friend) the chance to win a trip to Nashville to meet Lady Antebellum. Click here for details.

It’s a little bit old, but check out this small posting on CMT about how Nicole Kidman’s intervention helped save Keith Urban’s life. It’s quite touching.

Toby Keith was in Houston tonight for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Finals.

Ambush Run’s Rebecca Paul and Jim Matuga both celebrated birthdays today.

Gary Allan will be live and in-studio tomorrow during the Tony and Kris Show, which is based out of Nashville.

Country Music Shines During ACM Awards

The build up leading to the ACM Awards was tense to say the least. Whether you were a fan watching at home and rooting for your favorite country superstars, or an artist sitting nervously in one of those seats in Vegas, hoping to hear your name called, the ACM Awards were the talk of the country world.

And it didn’t disappoint.

All the stars showed up dressed in their finest and gave all their fans a show. Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire rocked the hosting gig, Shelton charming as ever, the viewers not being able to help but laugh at all his jokes. Reba was as steady as she always is. For someone whose been in the business as long as she has, it is no wonder why she is always asked to handle the hosting job year-after-year. She knows the history, she knows how to keep the show moving and Reba always has a witty reply to match any jokester that pairs with her.

The ACMA’s also featured a lot of new music by country’s elite. Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, and Jason Aldean all performed new songs to the masses, while guys like Brad Paisley and Keith Urban featured songs that are relatively new to the country airwaves.

Vegas also featured some incredibly inspiring performances. Darius Rucker performed with the ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp, a camp that takes place in Nashville every summer to assist people with developmental disabilities, and did so to a song the camp helped write. “Music From the Heart,” which was also written by Brett James and Chris Young, left very few with a dry eye in the audience. The moment was easily one of the best ever in ACMA history, and was met with a huge round of applause.

Carrie Underwood performed her hit single “Undo It” along with Aerosmith frontman, Steven Tyler, and although their performance did have its awkward moments (Tyler went to kiss Underwood, but she wasn’t having any of it), the duo did put on a good show. The pair also sang Aerosmith’s smash hit “Walk This Way,” it actually being better than what I was expecting.

The best performance of the night went to Zac Brown Band and James Taylor. With all due respect to Darius Rucker and the Lifting Lives Music Camp, which really was amazing, ZBB and James Taylor were goosebumps up-and-down your body good. The gang sang ZBB’s current single “Colder Weather,” then made the flip to James Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James” a song country artists Joey and Rory were seen mouthing as it was performed. Every country award show seems to have that one performance that everyone is talking about the next day, well along with “Music From the Heart,” ZBB and James Taylor were that performance.

But, of course, the award shows are all about the award winners and there were plenty of those to go around.

Miranda Lambert brought home the most hardware, reeling in four ACM Awards for Single Record, Song and Video of the Year for “The House That Built Me,” and Female Vocalist of the year.

Mainstays Lady Antebellum and Sugarland won the Top Vocal Group and Top Vocal Duo, respectively, while Lady A also locked up the Album of the Year award for “Need You Now.”

On top of giving an electrifying performance at the end of the night, Zac Brown Band also won Vocal Event of the Year for “As She’s Walking Away”(an award they shared with Alan Jackson, whom is featured on the song).

The Band Perry, who won Top New Group, competed against Top New Solo Artist, Eric Church for bragging rights as the Top New Artist -- a competition they won. The pure excitement on their faces was great to watch, as you could tell they truly appreciated being rewarded for all of their hard work.

Perhaps a some what baffling award winner was Brad Paisley for Top Male Vocalist, and I wasn’t the only one who thought so. Brad himself seemed surprised, maybe even a little disappointed (he didn’t say that, he just didn’t seem into it when he was accepting the award) for the other acts, seeing as Brad has won the award so many times. It certainly seemed like it was Blake Shelton’s, or Jason Aldean’s time to shine, but Brad Paisley is among country music’s biggest acts and he deserves any of the accolades he gets.

Taylor Swift brought home the top prize, winning the Entertainer of the Year award, in what shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise to viewers. Swift has the biggest fan base in country music, being a multi-genre artist. With so many of her fans in full force on Twitter, campaigning for her to win EOTY, Taylor probably had the award locked up before the event even started. Don’t try to tell anyone she didn’t earn it. Swift has sold over 20 million records, is constantly touring all over the world and always makes time for the millions of fans that hold her so dear to their hearts.

And so to it was country music’s night in Las Vegas. The stars were stunning, the music was rocking and the hard work of so many was rewarded with one of country’s biggest honors. While all good things must come to an end, at least we will have another year of the highest quality of music to build up to next year’s ACM Awards.



Photo source: By minds-eye (Taylor Swift) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

And here's the list of tonight's ACM Award winners

Congratulations to all the winners

* Entertainer of the Year - Taylor Swift
* Top Male Vocalist - Brad Paisley
* Top Female Vocalist - Miranda Lambert
* Top Vocal Duo - Sugarland
* Top Vocal Group - Lady Antebellum
* Album of the Year - “Need You Now,” Lady Antebellum
* Single Record of the Year - “The House That Built Me,” Miranda Lambert
* Top New Artist - The Band Perry
* Song of the Year - “The House That Built Me,” Miranda Lambert
* Video of the Year - “The House That Built Me,” Miranda Lambert
* Vocal Event of the Year - “As She’s Walking Away,” Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson

Look for the write up of the ACMA's tomorrow!

Sunday's News and Tidbits

The Band Perry recently accepted their plaque for RIAA gold certification of their self titled debut album. The picture can be seen HERE

Joe Nichols and Lee Brice talk about how they met and possibly writing together some time down the road. Check out the interview HERE (Source: wycd.radio.com)

A few pre-ACM pictures of the artists getting ready. Click HERE to see the stars in action. (Source: GAC)

Hope you caught the ACM Awards, because tomorrow you will have a chance to win the gift bag all the country stars received tonight. Click HERE to see everything in the bag and for directions on how to win.

Jaron, of Jaron and The Long Road to Love, was seen having what could be interpreted as a good time with Knix Country’s Ben and Matt in the Morning. Click HERE for the picture.

Next Saturday at 9PM, GAC will honor George Strait as their Artist of the Decade.

Join in for the ACMA Twittercast!

Join country music personalities Tony and Kris (out of Nashville) as they host an ACMA Twittercast with country blogger/writer, Jessica Northey.

Just follow the hashtag #tkACM or Tony and Kris' Twitter page @TonyandKris. See everyone there!

Song of the Week: Blake Shelton - Kiss My Country Ass

Blake Shelton takes home The Southern Drawl's first Song of the Week title with "Kiss My Country Ass." You can listen to and watch the music video HERE.














* Photo Source: Keith Hinkle [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Saturday's News and Tidbits

After leaving Sony Entertainment earlier this year, Craig Morgan has signed a new recording contract with Black River Entertainment. (Source: CMT)

Emmylou Harris celebrated a birthday today.

On this day 55 years ago, Johnny Cash was headed to Sun Recording Studio to record “I Walk the Line and “Get Rhythm.” (Source: CMT)

Easton Corbin sat down with Detroit’s 99.5 WYCD and talked about new music and his finances. Check out the interview here. (Source: WYCD.radio.com)

Keith Urban sits down with 99.5 Chicago and tells them what’s most important to him at this year’s ACM Awards. Check out that interview here. (Source: us99country.radio.com)

Brad Paisley has said his performance will have an 80’s feel to it tomorrow.

Jennifer Nettles was seen in Las Vegas hanging out with Rihanna.

A teeny tiny look at where some of the stars will be sitting tomorrow night, courtesy of Toby Keith. Take a look here.

Members of Little Big Town were also seen with Rihanna and according to band member, Kimberly Schlapman -- the R&B singer is a fan of the group.

Danielle Peck had the link to Country Weekly’s poll on who’s the hottest bachelorette on her Twitter page. To vote for her (or another leading lady in country music) click here.

James Otto arrived in Vegas today to ready himself for the ACM Awards tomorrow.

ACM Predictions

Well, the wait is over. Here are my picks for all of the ACM Awards up for the taking on Sunday night. Feel free to debate on these.

Vocal Event of the Year

Nominees:

* “As She’s Walking Away” - Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson
* “Blue Sky” - Emily West Featuring Keith Urban
* “Coal Miner’s Daughter” - Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert
* “Cold Beer” - Colt Ford Featuring Jamey Johnson
* “Good to be Me” - Uncle Cracker Featuring Kid Rock

Who I voted for: “As She’s Walking Away”

For whatever reason, this particular category was a pretty simple choice. While all these songs are certainly capable of winning, Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson knocked this song out of the park. I’m still not sick of it.

Who will win: “As She’s Walking Away”

Zac Brown Band’s first single off their new album “You Get What You Give” was widely popular and just strikes a certain chord with more fans than any of these other songs. Uncle Cracker and Kid Rock’s “Good to be Me” may have a similar widespread audience, but Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson get the nod here.



Video of the Year

Nominees:

* “Hillbilly Bone” - Blake Shelton Featuring Trace Adkins
* “Only Prettier” - Miranda Lambert
* “Stuck Like Glue” - Sugarland
* “The Boys of Fall” - Kenny Chesney
* “The House That Built Me” - Miranda Lambert

Who I voted for: “Hillbilly Bone”

Eliminate the song aspect for a second and focus in on just the music video. Two of the ultimate country boys sitting down in a fancy/ritzy restaurant, surrounded by some of the finer people in life, yet there’s Trace and Blake, hicking it up and showing off their hillbilly bone. To top it off, all those classy people who couldn’t stand the two singers at the beginning of the song, are all cheering for them by the end of it -- embracing their redneck sides as Blake and Trace put on a show. It’s hilarious! Not to mention the song is one of the best ones all year.

Who will win: “The Boys of Fall”

Honestly, I think this is one of the harder awards to pick. In the end, I think it comes down to “The House That Built Me,” “Hillbilly Bone,” and “The Boys of Fall.” It’s kind of hard to deny Miranda Lambert the award, because no one in country music is hotter. “Hillbilly Bone,” like I said earlier, is my personal choice and is the best in terms of the actual video and song.” But, Kenny Chesney’s “The Boys of Fall” has away of exciting the masses. So many people remember their college football days, and when you see all those professional and student athletes playing America’s game (yes, I mean football, not baseball), and you hear those speeches featured in the video, you can help but love it. The voting will be close, but I see Kenny taking this one.



Song of the Year

Nominees:

* “A Little More Country Than That” - Easton Corbin
* “As She’s Walking Away” - Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson
* “If I Die Young” - The Band Perry
* “Love Like Crazy” - Lee Brice
* “The House That Built Me” - Miranda Lambert

Who I voted for: “Love Like Crazy”

All five songs were popular upon release, but I don’t know if there was a more popular song than Lee Brice’s “Love Like Crazy.” While country fans all fawned over “If I Die Young” and “The House That Built Me,” everyone loved “Love Like Crazy.”

Who will win: “Love Like Crazy”

The song has been played on radios galore for what seems like forever now, yet so many people still listen to the song over and over again. The hit single seems like one of those rare songs that fans just can’t get enough of.



Single Record of the Year

Nominees:

* “A Little More Country Than That” - Easton Corbin
* “As She’s Walking Away” - Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson
* “If I Die Young” - The Band Perry
* “Love Like Crazy” - Lee Brice
* “The Boys of Fall” - Kenny Chesney
* “The House That Built Me” - Miranda Lambert

Who I voted for: “Love Like Crazy”

A quick side note: the difference between Single Record and Song of the Year is who is awarded the ACM. Single Record goes to the artist, producer(s) and record company, while Song of the Year goes to the artist, the composer(s) and the publisher(s).

The reasoning behind the pick is really already stated in Song of the Year. Not only is it a great song, but pretty much everyone (country fan, or not) knows, or heard of “Love Like Crazy.”

Who will win: “Love Like Crazy”



Album of the Year

Nominees:

* “Hemingway’s Whiskey” - Kenny Chesney
* “Need You Now” - Lady Antebellum
* “The Guitar Song” - Jamey Johnson
* “Speak Now” - Taylor Swift
* “Up on the Ridge” - Dierks Bentley
* “You Get What You Give” - Zac Brown Band

What I voted for: “Speak Now”

First off, let it be known that Jamey Johnson is the most underrated country music artist there is. All he does is produce music of the highest quality, yet seems to stay way too far under the radar. There are reasons Johnson has been compared to Waylon Jennings.

Taylor Swift’s third album “Speak Now” is the album I chose for the sheer fact that I love the song writing featured on it. You can literally hear her grow as an artist as the music flows from your headphones, and her messages are relatable to anyone who listens to her music. It really is a great piece of work.

What will win: “Need You Now”

I am in no way saying Lady A doesn’t deserve to win the award, because anyone who is a true fan of country music has heard the songs that have come off that album. But, I expect them to win because no one is more popular than them right now. I honestly wouldn’t be shocked if they won Entertainer of the Year, based on that popularity alone.



Top New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year

Nominees:

* the JaneDear girls
* Steel Magnolia
* The Band Perry

Who I voted for: The Band Perry

The Band Perry is still a ways away from being able to compete with Lady A and Zac Brown Band, but this is an award they should win relatively easily. “If I Die Young” was a HUGE success for the band, launching them into superstar status in the country music world, while “You Lie,” the band’s new single, is proof they are here to stay.

Who will win: The Band Perry

The JaneDear girls are too new and Steel Magnolia is simply out-matched by The Band Perry (at least this year).



Top New Solo Vocalist of the Year

Nominees:

* Eric Church
* Easton Corbin
* Randy Houser

Who I voted for: Easton Corbin

I love Eric Church, but Easton Corbin is rising up that country music ladder rapidly. All three of Easton Corbin’s singles have shown why he is being tabbed as the next George Strait. The kid really does have a bright future ahead of him.

Who will win: Easton Corbin

Randy Houser doesn’t have the resume’ of Corbin or Church, though he does show promise. Eric Church does have a few songs that have been popular with country fans, but those songs don’t hold the clout of an “I’m a Little More Country Than That,” “Roll with It,” and now “I Can’t Love You Back.” Easton Corbin is going to be huge, the ACM’s are just the beginning.



Top Vocal Group of the Year

Nominees:

* Lady Antebellum
* Little Big Town
* Randy Rogers Band
* The Band Perry
* Zac Brown Band

Who I voted for: Zac Brown Band

What can’t Zac Brown Band do? The music is off the charts on both of their albums, and ZBB has an uncanny ability to make you cry and laugh while listening to their music. While everyone else seems to think Lady A is the reigning king in the Vocal Group department, I believe that king to be Zac Brown Band -- they’re unbelievably talented.

Who will win: Lady Antebellum

Until someone beats them, I am of the minority. In all actuality, Lady A currently rules the kingdom of Top Vocal Groups.



Top Vocal Duo of the Year

Nominees:

* the JaneDear girls
* Joey + Rory
* Montgomery Gentry
* Steel Magnolia
* Sugarland

Who I voted for: Sugarland

Sugarland is the new Brooks & Dunn of this category. Most of the competition is too new to make a real run at the juggernaut, while Montgomery Gentry has been on a kind of hiatus while Eddie Montgomery recovers from Cancer treatment.

Who will win: Sugarland

It likely won’t be a close vote. Steel Magnolia is likely their closest competition, but they are at least another successful year away from seriously challenging Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush.



Top Female Vocalist of the Year

Nominees:

* Miranda Lambert
* Reba McEntire
* Taylor Swift
* Carrie Underwood
* Lee Ann Womack

Who I voted for: Miranda Lambert

I have been tooting the horn of Miranda Lambert for as long as I can remember. As early as the release of “Kerosene,” I could see there was something there with Miranda Lambert, that she was different from the typical women in country music (that’s not a knock on the other women of country, I love them all). Lambert brings an attitude, confidence and just an in your face mentality to all her music. No one has had a bigger year in country music than the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. Plus, what’s not to love about a woman who writes a lot of her music and plays the guitar?

Who will win: Miranda Lambert

With all due respect to all the other women up for this award, no one has touched Miranda the past year. Her singles are instant successes, she’s already won Album of the Year (Revolution), Video of the Year (The House That Built Me) and Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA’s and, although it has nothing to do with actual music, she’s getting married to one of country’s hottest superstars, Blake Shelton. How does it get better than that?



Top Male Vocalist of the Year

Nominees:

* Jason Aldean
* Brad Paisley
* Blake Shelton
* George Strait
* Keith Urban

Who I voted for: Jason Aldean

I pick him based solely on the fact that he has released some of my favorite songs on country radio this year. “My Kinda Party” is an instant energy boost every time it’s on, not being able to help but rock out when it hits the radio waves (or my iPod). Now, Aldean holds the no.1 video on both CMT and GAC with “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” and has earned main stage status at the CMA Music Festival. Like Hansel, he’s so hot right now.

Who will win: Jason Aldean

You know what, I’m going to go out on the limb here and say Jason Aldean does win Top Male Vocalist. Why not? He certainly deserves it, and while Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, George Strait and Blake Shelton may be the household names in the category, Jason Aldean’s popularity is right there with country fans.



Entertainer of the Year

Nominees:

* Jason Aldean
* Toby Keith
* Miranda Lambert
* Brad Paisley
* Taylor Swift
* Keith Urban

Who I voted for: Keith Urban

As far as sheer talent is concerned, no one, and I do mean no one, is more talented than Keith Urban. Few have the ability to shred on the guitar like he does, something Keith can do while holding a note to perfection. His songs are always among the best there is on country radio and he never stiffs you on a live show. All Keith Urban does every year is produce, produce and then produce some more, yet he rarely receives the love that he really deserves in the award department. It’s time to rectify that mistake.

Who will win: Brad Paisley

The guy is Mr. Consistency. All his songs cater to his fans, and while some people don’t necessarily love his style of country, Paisley has the talent to adapt to any song style there is in country music. On top of that, Brad Paisley is renowned for his live shows -- often being tabbed as the top act to see live for his true appreciation he gives to his fans. You gotta love Brad Paisley.



*Photo Source: By minds-eye (Brad Paisley) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

ACM Predictions Coming at 7PM

The piece is finished and all set to go. I'm going to give it a once over, just to be sure, and I will have it posted at 7PM tonight.

Friday's News and Tidbits

Zac Brown Band, Sugarland, Little Big Town, Thompson Square, The Band Perry and Eddie Montgomery, like many of the other country superstars, made the trip to Vegas for the ACM Awards.

Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum celebrated her 25th birthday today.

Kelley Shepard also celebrated a birthday today.

Chris Young won $800 his first night in Vegas.

Rascal Flatts is allowing fans to compete for the chance to make the music video for their new single “I Won’t let Go.” For details on how to compete, head on over to their Facebook page.

Sean Patrick McGraw is campaigning for your vote on Country Weekly’s poll for which bachelor is country music’s hottest. Although he’s not specifically on the list, you can write him in, or vote for one of the many to choose from here. Better hurry, voting ends April 3rd.

CMT named Crystal Bowersox April’s featured artist for the month.

The making of Reba’s latest music video “If I Were a Boy” is set to premiere tomorrow afternoon (1:30 PM ET) on GAC TV.

David Nail may be a little tired when he finally arrives to Vegas. The up-and-coming country singer has a show in Tampa tomorrow and then will make the flight over to Las Vegas at 4 AM, Sunday morning. Yikes!

James Otto will be leaving Colorado tomorrow for the bright lights of Las Vegas.

GAC TV's Top Music Videos (April 1, 2011)

20. Rascal Flatts - I Won't Let Go
19. Easton Corbin - I Can't Love You Back
18. Katie Armiger - Best Song Ever
17. Brad Paisley - This is Country Music
16. Zac Brown Band - Colder Weather
15. Ashton Shepherd - Look it Up
14. The Band Perry - You Lie
13. Taylor Swift - Back to December
12. Trace Adkins - Brown Chicken Brown Cow
11. Keith Urban - Without You
10. Sara Evans - A Little Bit Stronger
9. Brett Eldredge - Raymond
8. Reba McEntire - If I Were a Boy
7. Thompson Square - Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not
6. Sarah Darling - Something to do With Your Hands
5. Blake Shelton - Who Are You When I'm Not Looking
4. Mark Wills - Looking for America
3. Josh Turner - I Wouldn't be a Man
2. Carrie Underwood - Mama's Song
1. Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson - Don't You Wanna Stay

*Songs in bold are videos that are already posted/clickable under CMT's Top 20 Countdown. To view those videos, please go to the CMT Countdown list and click on those links

**Videos in this piece are courtesy of YouTubeVeVo

CMT's Top 20 Music Videos (April 1, 2011)

All the music videos are viewable by clicking on the links.


20. Blake Shelton - Kiss My Country Ass
19. Eli Young Band - Crazy Girl
18. Joe Nichols - The Shape I’m In
17. Crystal Bowersox - Farmer’s Daughter
16. Justin Bieber and Rascal Flatts - That Should Be Me
15. Brad Paisley - This is Country Music
14. Reba McEntire - If I Were a Boy
13. Trace Adkins - Brown Chicken Brown Cow
12. Aaron Lewis - Country Boy
11. Keith Urban - Without You
10. Darius Rucker - This
9. Jerrod Niemann - What Do You Want
8. The Band Perry - You Lie
7. Lady Antebellum - Hello World
6. Sara Evans - A Little Bit Stronger
5. Zac Brown Band - Stuck in Colder Weather
4. Rascal Flatts - I Won’t Let Go
3. Taylor Swift - Back to December
2. Thompson Square - Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not
1. Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson - Don’t You Wanna Stay


*All music videos except Justin Bieber and Rascal Flatts - "That Should Be Me" (which is from YouTubeVeVo) are courtesy of CMT.com

ACM predictions coming tomorrow

Who isn't excited for the ACM Awards on Sunday? I know I am and in anticipation of the event, tomorrow I will make my predictions of who will take home an ACM, perhaps adding in a little reasoning behind each pick. Look for it some time in the late afternoon/early evening.

Stay tuned...