Paisley and Cars

amazon.com

Brad Paisley teamed up with British pop star Robbie Williams to record the song "Collision of Worlds" for the Cars 2 soundtrack, in stores now.


Brad says he was thrilled to contribute to the "Cars 2" soundtrack and admits he's a big fan of the animated movies -- and he's not the only one in his household who enjoys the films.


Brad is also featured on the soundtrack to the first "Cars" film. He wrote and recorded the songs "Behind The Clouds" and "Find Yourself" for the original 2006 movie.


The movie is heading into its second week and Brad's duet plays over the end credits.


Brad says of Cars 2, "It was the funniest Pixar movie I've seen. It was the most unique, most fun."


Cars 2 takes the rusty, redneck tow truck Mater to Europe.

Lady A Cheers Shania

ladyantebellum.com

The members of Lady Antebellum say they're glad to see Shania Twain back in the spotlight.


Lady A's Charles Kelley credits Shania for expanding the country music audience and giving the genre "a little more of a contemporary sound." He tells CMT.com Lady Antebellum owes a lot to the veteran superstar, adding that Shania "definitely opened the doors" for Lady A's current success.


Hillary Scott praises Twain for what she's done for women in country music. She says Shania has been an inspiration to her, explaining that Twain is "in that category of just giving girls and women the courage to be sexy and to not be ashamed of it."


Shania has made her chart return with her single, "Today Is Your Day," which is her first new song in six years.

Is Your Name Taylor Swift?

popdust.com

Lots of folks search for their favorite stars emails.  They seek a connection to folks like Taylor Swift and Blake Shelton.  Many find an email address and send an email hoping for a reply.


Example: BlakeShelton@honeybeesong.com but it's Blake Shelton from middle of nowhere and not the B.S. you reach.


It has happened to a guy named Taylor who is getting ‘Swift’ email.


Taylor happens to have an email address that starts out with TSwift that he's had since 2006.  Now everyday he gets about five emails that are actually intended for the more famous Taylor.


This ‘Taylor’ has posted them to a website.   He decided to start a Tumblr account called OMG IS THIS TAYLOR SWIFT.  Some of the emails are typical, while others are of the obsessed variety.  Click on the link if you want to see who has been immortalized. 

Carrie Not Into Mush

countrymusicislove.com

Carrie Underwood has showcased songs about guys whom have done her wrong.


"I've never been one for mushy songs ever. I just don't do mush," said Carrie during a Q&A session at the Billboard Country Music Summit in Nashville. "I can do mad. I can do sassy. I can do high heels and sparkles."


Carrie says she's not as good at sad songs or being open to people. Husband, Mike Fisher, has helped her think.


"I remember writing 'Mama's Song' [and thinking], 'Is this weird? I don't know how I feel about this,'" she confesses. "Just being able to open another door of myself and be able to sing about something that I have never been able to, I catch myself writing more songs like that."


Carrie says this is a good thing. "I'm becoming a sentimental weenie! [laughs] I have to watch that. It might be good. The more you grow and experience, the more you have to write about. He's been good for that."


While Carrie credits her husband with helping her to be inspired, she says she wishes she could do the same for him. "I haven't improved his hockey game one iota," she jokes.


Source: The Boot

New Flatts Duet Is Easy

bigmachinerecords.com

Rascal Flatts and pop star Natasha Bedingfield are hoping to make country ‘Easy.’


Natasha says, "I love them! It's so interesting because they are more country, they have that country flavor, and I am so amazed at how country musicians value real music. It has been awesome to work with them."


"Easy" is included on Rascal Flatts' latest album, Nothing Like This.

Miranda Lambert On Behind The Music

theboot.com

August marks the 14th anniversary of VH1′s “Behind The Music” among the artists being featured is Miranda Lambert.  Lambert's "Behind The Music" episode will premiere July 13. 


Behind The Music will also spotlight Adam Lambert, Ice Cube, Missy Elliott, Ricky Martin, Mary J. Blige, and Enrique Iglesias.


Viewers watching this episode of Behind The Music will get the exclusive first look at interviews with husband, Blake Shelton, Miranda’s parents Rick and Bev, Nashville Star judge Tracy Gershon, former Sony Nashville head Joe Galante, music legend Loretta Lynn and fellow country music stars Sheryl Crow, Kenny Chesney and Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum.

Crossroads with Bryan And Doobies

cmt.com

Luke Bryan will join the Doobie Brothers for an episode of ‘Crossroads’ on CMT. The popular series matches country acts with artists from rock and other genres.


“I am really excited to perform onstage with the Doobie Brothers,” says Luke Bryan. “Their music was such an iconic part of my growing up. I bet most Americans can hear a particular Doobie Brothers song and have it take them back to a certain time and place in their life … and the best thing is, they are still creating great music today!”


“We are so pleased, and fortunate to be able to share the stage with Luke Bryan on ‘Crossroads,’” adds Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers. “We love the challenge of performing such wonderfully crafted songs with an artist like Luke and his band. He’s one of the most exciting artists on the country music scene these days.”

CMA Music Fest Replay

 “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” filmed June 9-12, will air Sunday, August 7 from 8pm – 11pm ET on the ABC Television Network.


Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Sara Evans, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band are among the artists who will be featured on the special.

Jason Aldean Pops Another Hit

jasonaldean.com

Jason Aldean has another crossover hit with "Dirt Road Anthem" as it’s in the top ten on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.


His hit collaboration with Kelly Clarkson, "Don't You Wanna Stay," peaked in the top 20 on the Adult Pop Songs and Adult Contemporary charts earlier this year.


"Dirt Road Anthem" remains at number four on the Digital Songs chart with 189-thousand downloads over the past week, which is an increase of 12-percent over last week. Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" is topping the Hot 100, marking its seventh week at number one on that chart. Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" has surged up the Digital chart to become this week's leader.

Craig Morgan Outdoors

outdoorchannel.com

Craig Morgan is back for season two with 13 new episodes of “Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors” premiered on the Outdoor Channel Saturday.


Craig Morgan throws open the doors on his life – both on stage and in the field. The reality show gives viewers an all access, backstage pass to Craig’s travels as he and his crew pursue big thrills and big laughs across North America in a quest for the ultimate hunting adventures.


Each week, Craig is joined by fellow country music artists as well as professional athletes and motocross celebrities.


Viewers can catch Craig every Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. (EST) on Outdoor Channel. Check local listings or Outdoor Channel to find out how to get the network in your area.

Source: CMTT

Eli Young Band Life At Best CD

eliyoung.net

Eli Young Band is back on the chart with "Crazy Girl." The track is really catching on with fans and has sold more than 350 thousand digital singles so far.


It's the lead single from the group's upcoming album, Life at Best, due out August 16th.


Eli Young Band bass play Jon Jones says, "We're lucky to have loyal fans that are hungry for new music. We're glad we're finally able to put the new music out for an established fan base."


Here's the Life at Best track listing:


1) "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
2) "Crazy Girl"
3) "Every Other Memory"
4) "On My Way"
5) "Skeletons"
6) "I Love You"
7) "The Fight"
8) "My Old Man's Son"
9) "Recover"
10) "The Falling"
11) "War on a Desperate Man"
12) "Say Goodnight"
13) "How Quickly You Forget"
14) "Life at Best"

Source: ABC News Radio

Martina Gets The Beeb

Martina McBride understands. Her middle daughter, Emma, met Justin Bieber during the recent CMT Awards.


"I was really into Linda Ronstadt and Pat Benatar," Martina tells The Boot of her own idols as a teen. "I think that if I would have met them when I was 18 or 15, I was so enamored with them that I would have freaked out."


Martina has actually had the opportunity to perform with Pat Benatar, but hasn't met Linda Ronstadt, yet. "I'd love to, though," she reveals.


Martina understands her daughter's excitement. "The best part is seeing my kids grow and become individuals, and the fact that they're happy and well-adjusted," Martina told The Boot. "When I see how they handle situations, I feel really proud of them, and that pride is such a great thing."


Martina's next album will be released August 23, and it will include her current single 'Teenage Daughters.'

Drop Dead Diva With LeAnn Rimes

mylieftime.com

LeAnn Rimes continues to bolster her acting resume as she made a guest appearance on the third season launch of the Lifetime series "Drop Dead Diva," which debuted Sunday night.


She played the part of a former celebrity spouse who enlists the services of Brooke Elliott's character, Jane Bingum, after being accused in a hit-and-run accident.


LeAnn tells AOL TV she really enjoyed "playing the scorned ex-wife of a TV star," pointing out that the role had been written specifically for her.


Rimes says that this was the second time she'd been offered a part on the show, but scheduling conflicts prevented her from taking the previous opportunity to make a guest appearance.


Fans who missed Sunday's premiere broadcast of "Drop Dead Diva" featuring Rimes as a guest star will have another chance to see it on Lifetime.

Dr. Rucker I Presume

www.countrymusicrocks.net

Darius Rucker was given an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for his work in the community in May.


"The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is my home, it's where mother worked for 30 years. It was where I ate, where I got my clothes -- everything about the university was home to me," Darius told The Boot.


Darius has other connections to MUSC and the Charleston community. He and his wife, Beth, serve on the board of the Children's Hospital, and he has made donations to the university. Additionally his Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation helps needy children get a education.


The South Carolina native says the honorary diploma will be proudly displayed in his home in Charleston, so "everyone will know to call me Dr. Rucker!"

Breakthrough Video With The Band Perry [VIDEO]

The Band Perry’s single “If I Die Young,” which won the USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards, has been so successful that the group no longer thinks of the song as its own.

“We kind of feel like it belongs to the folks at this point,” lead singer Kimberly Perry told The Tennessean. “You know, we certainly wrote it, but it’s helped so many people.”

The group continued the sharing theme when it accepted the award during the show. “It takes a village to raise a band,” Perry told the audience.

The hit song has been in heavy rotation since being released over a year ago and it garnered the group two other CMT Award nominations: group video and video of the year.

The group continues it road show on Tim McGraw’s tour.

Seacrest, Hough Must Love Dogs

http://blog.zap2it.com

Julianne Hough attended the kick off voting campaign for America’s First Ever National “Hero Dog Awards” at VA Medical Center in New York City earlier in the week.


In addition to performing an acoustic concert, Hough visited with patients and therapy dogs at New York Harbor Healthcare System.


“I am thrilled to be working with Cesar and American Humane Association to raise awareness and celebrate these amazing dogs,” said Hough. “My two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels mean the absolute world to me, so I know how powerful the relationship with a dog can be, and I’m happy to be involved in such a great cause.”


Dogs from all around the country were nominated in the following eight categories: Law Enforcement and Arson Dogs; Service Dogs; Therapy Dogs; Military Dogs; Guide Dogs; Search and Rescue Dogs; Hearing Dogs; Emerging Hero Dogs.


Dog lovers can log on to Hero Dog Awards” and vote for a hero dog whose story touches them.


By voting for nominated dogs in the Hero Dog Awards, the public can participate in an exciting opportunity to truly make a difference in thousands of lives. The Hero Dog Awards will take place on October 1, 2011 when the winning Hero Dog will be announced. The awards show will be televised on Hallmark Channel on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011.

Joe Nichols And His Dunkin' Joe

dunkindonuts.com

Dunkin’ Donuts has welcomed Joe Nichols.  Dunkin’ Donuts has signed on for sponsorship of Joe Nichols shows across his 2011 Nationwide Concert Tour in support of his forthcoming studio album that will be released this fall.


Joe became the first person ever to “take over” Dunkin’ Donuts’ official Facebook page during a live video chat on the first full day of summer.


“Dunkin’ Donuts already made my favorite coffee, so there was an immediate interest on my part,” said Joe Nichols. “And after seeing them so proactively supporting the troops via the USO, and given my very public support of military personnel, we found out we had even more in common. The more we talked, the more the connection between us grew. I can’t imagine a better fit.”


As part of the partnership, Dunkin’ Donuts will also offer fans an opportunity to win special prizes such as tickets to upcoming concerts, passes to meet-and-greet with Nichols, access to pre-show sound check performances, autographed items, and more cool items.

Billy Ray on GAC [VIDEO]

Billy Ray Cyrus' new GAC special, I'm American, premiered Tuesday on GAC.

The show was taped in front of 60 military families from Ft. Campbell, Kentucky at Billy Ray's farm in Tennessee.


The guests enjoyed games, barbecue and an acoustic concert during their visit. Billy Ray's new album, I'm American, will be out June 28th.

Forbes Highest Paid Musicians

Forbes list of the world's 25 highest-paid musicians has a few Country folks. Toby Keith is tops among country artists at number 11, with 50 million dollars coming in.


Taylor Swift is 13th with 45 million bucks


Brad Paisley made 40 million dollars to come in at number 15.


Tim McGraw is 18th with 35 million


Rascal Flatts made 34 million dollars for a number 23 finish


Kenny Chesney is 24th with 30 million dollars.


The totals take into account income from May 2010 to May 2011, with data taken from Pollstar and the RIAA.

Call Carrie Ms. Timex

Carrie Underwood likes to be on time. In Nashville for Billboard's Country Music Summit, Carrie gave credit to her parents for her work ethic.


"I honestly thank my awesome parents," Carrie told the Boot. "It actually frightens people when I'm on time."


She went on to explain that during awards shows she takes many by surprise with her punctuality.


"Most of the people on the awards shows in country music we know," she said. "We have their numbers and call and say, 'We're on our way!' They'll say, 'Be here at 7.' It's like, 'OK, do you mean 7? Because we'll be there at 7. It's gonna happen! You watch!'"


Carrie said in the celebrity world 7:00 PM often means 7:30 or 7:45.


"Somebody told me they were recording with a very, very big artist and they were supposed to record at noon and she showed up at 4 the next day in the afternoon!" she said. "It bugs me. My time is important, your time is important. I want to be on time and want to be prepared."


While Carrie's drive is indisputable, she stressed the importance of those around her being equally present and organized.


"It bugs me when I'm doing a group number and there are 10 of us and I am the only one who knows the words," she notes. "I find that disrespectful. I want to give respect and get respected."

New Blake Shelton CD Tracks

blakeshelton.com

Blake Shelton likes his fellow judges on The Voice. "We realized that we had some chemistry with each other, and that was just luck of the draw." He adds, "When the show is over someday, we will remain friends."


The Voice will be back for a second season, but it remains to be seen if all four judges will be able to return. 


Blake hopes he is back, "The reality of it is, you got four different artists that are doing completely different things and a network that has a time schedule that they want things to happen in. Who knows what'll happen, but I'd hate to miss it."


Miranda Lambert found herself in the middle of a mini-Twitter controversy recently surrounding The Voice. Blake's fellow judge, Christina Aguilera, insinuated that Blake was romantically interested in one of his male team members on the show. Miranda tweeted, basically saying that Christina seemed romantically frustrated in light of that comment, and Christina's fans let her have it with both barrels on Twitter. Says Miranda, "Christina Aguilera fans are very intense. I thought my fans were intense!"


Miranda is a big fan of The Voice. "It's really showing a different side of him, and he's so involved with this contestants," Miranda tells ABC Radio, "and now I'm attached to 'em, and I'm like crying over their performances." Miranda admits Blake's high-profile TV gig has increased the scrutiny on their personal lives saying, "It's like, 'We've been married for a month. Will y'all just hold on!'"


Miranda is proud of Blake's work on the show. She says, "I think this is something that's huge for him. Not only for him, but for country music because he's representing our genre, and he's doing a great job."


Blake’s upcoming album Red River Blue, is due out July 12th.


Red River Blue track listing:


1) "Honey Bee"
2) "Ready to Roll"
3) "God Gave Me You"
4) "Get Some"
5) "Drink on It"
6) "Good Ol' Boys"
7) "I'm Sorry"
8) "Sunny in Seattle"
9) "Over"
10) "Hey"
11) "Red River Blue"