Carrie Underwood Finally Joins Twitter

She posted her first Tweet last Friday: "Hello Twitter World!"

Thus far she's responded to 140 characters from Ryan Seacrest and Lauren Alaina and cheered on spouse Mike Fisher and his Nashville Predators, "That #12 was looking HOT!“

Country Label Group To Combat Hunger

Nashville's Big Machine Label Group just announced a partnership with General Mills and Feeding America on a national campaign called Outnumber Hunger. The goal is to help Feeding America secure millions of meals for local food banks, and we need your help.

1 in 6 Americans struggles with hunger—that’s nearly 49 million people. But together, we can Outnumber Hunger. Listeners can help Feeding America secure meals for your local food bank, just by entering codes from participating General Mills products they love.

Hunger is a year-round issue, but can be especially difficult in the springtime—thus the importance of this initiative. Help your local food bank: search by zip code here: http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx.

Several Big Machine Label Group artists support Outnumber Hunger, and they will be featured on millions of General Mills packages beginning in April—brands like Cheerios, Betty Crocker and Pillsbury. This effort will make consumers aware of how easy it is to help Feeding America secure meals for the food bank in their community.

The Band Perry = Big In Polka Circles

If you listen to The Band Perry’s first album, you‟ll hear the unique sound of an accordion on several of the songs. Neil explains, "When we were recording our album, we were talking with our producer and the keyboardist who actually played on it and he had an accordion lying on the ground and we looked at it and we said, 'That would be cool to put on here.' So we put a bunch of it on the album.”

After the album was done the trio realized someone would have to play the accordion during their live shows. "And of course, we drew straws [and it] landed with me,” says Neil. But actually he says he loves playing the instrument and it‟s one of his favorite parts of the live show. Plus, Kimberly points out, “He's really popular down in Texas because everybody thinks he's a mariachi player. And up north …” Neil is apparently a hit with Polka fans. "Tuba players love this guy,” jokes Kimberly.

The Band Perry will soon be heading into the studio to begin recording their sophomore album.

Teaching Baby New Words At The Dunn Household

As Townsquare Media's Taste Of Country reports Ronnie Dunn is a new grandfather (the baby's name is Huck and looks like a cutie), Ronnie tells a tale on himself on his blog which betrays a willingness to take risks and just be who is IS. Click on the links to read both items.

Thompson Square Cancels CRS "New Faces" Appearance

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Shawna Thompson's father George Michael "Mickey" Mcllwain passed away yesterday evening in Alabama after a valiant battle with cancer. Shawna and her family were by his side when he passed. Please keep both Shawna and Keifer as well as Shawna's family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

As a result, they had to miss the opportunity to appear at the Country Radio Seminar's final event.

Get More: Glass, Thompson Square, Thompson Square Videos

MCA Recording Artist David Nail, who also was a CRS New Face of 2012, will fill in for Thompson Square this weekend at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, MI and the Ford Center in Evansville, IN.

Rascal Flatts Is Coming To A (Movie) Theater Near You

The supergroup and AEG Live, in conjunction with NCM Fathom, will present a very special one-night-only in-theater event that will take place across the nation on Thursday, April 5 at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT/6 PM MT/8 PM PT.

Rascal Flatts-CHANGED: One Night Exclusive Theater Event will deliver exclusive never-before-seen access into the lives of Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus, along with exclusive live performances of their biggest hits and music from their new album, CHANGED, set for release April 3.

Tickets for Rascal Flatts - CHANGED: One Night Exclusive Theater Event will be available to the U.S. public in early March at FathomEvents.com. The event will also play at select Cineplex Entertainment theatres across Canada.

To stay up to date on the CHANGED theater event as more details become available, please sign up for our email list on the Rascal Flatts homepage here.

Aaron Tippin Helps Couple Pop The Question

Tippin helped make a couple’s dream come true at his recent concert at Bantia Creek Hall in Nacogdoches, TX.

Ryan Van Zandt asked Tippin to help him propose to his girlfriend. Tippin was more than happy to lend a hand. Van Zandt’s girlfriend was so impressed with everything that she assured her finace’ and Tippin that their first dance as a married couple would be to the tune “For You I Will,” recorded by Tippin.

Ryan Van Zandt goes on to say, “The show was outstanding. Mr. Tippin was a gentleman when we met with him and he really made our experience special. We can't thank him enough. The show last night in Nacogdoches, TX was a nonstop roller coaster ride. The energy Aaron Tippin brought to the show was a pure adrenaline rush. I couldn't help but feed off his energy the whole evening. Never a dull moment. His interaction with the crowd created a sense of companionship, as if we were part of the show. It was definitely the best concert experience I've ever had”!

Chris Cagle To Sing National Anthem At DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway

In addition to performing during Saturday’s race, Cagle also will ride "shotgun" with friend and NASCAR driver Mike Wallace, when Cagle's image appears on the decklid of Wallace’s No. 01 G&K Services Chevrolet car.

"Just being in Daytona during the kick-off of the NASCAR racing season is a big deal, but when I found out I was going to be featured on the car, it was unbelievable! On top of that, getting the call to sing our National Anthem before the Nationwide Series race...it's a dream come true!," Cagle expressed.

Wallace shares his enthusiasm.

“It’s going to be fun to have my friend Chris Cagle on our car. He’s an excellent country artist with songs everyone can relate to in life. Maybe we can inspire him to write a song about racing for us,” said Wallace, who will open the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Daytona International Speedway.

Cagle plans to enjoy the monumental day with his wife Kay. "I am a huge NASCAR fan and a dear friend to Mike Wallace and his family! This is going to be an amazing day for me and something I never thought I'd have the opportunity to do! I'm going to enjoy every single moment, not to mention, the pleasure of introducing my wife to one of the greatest spectator sports that America has to offer," said Cagle.

Chris Cagle's performance of the national anthem with air at 1:18 P.M. EST/12:18 P.M. CST on ESPN February 25.

Martina McBride Calls Blake Shelton Both "Ornery" And A Friend

Martina and Blake (who just signed up for season three of "The Voice") might seem like unlikely friends at first glance, but they’re actually very good friends thanks to her ability to look beyond the surface.

“He's so ornery. And he has so much charisma. And so much talent,” says Martina, but, “underneath all that craziness is a really good person and, you know, I'm really drawn to that.”

Martina actually shares a great friendship with Blake and his wife, Miranda Lambert. “They're just both sweet as could be. I mean, I love Miranda (Lambert) too. So, it's really cool to have that friendship.”

Martina is currently enjoying the success of her latest top ten song, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” and spending some time with another good friend, George Strait, opening for him on his winter tour.

Jason Aldean Sells Out In Four Minutes, Adds Second Atlanta Show

It took just four minutes for ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee Jason Aldean to sell out his May 19 show at Atlanta, GA’s Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood Friday morning. A second show has been announced at Lakewood on Fri., May 18 that will go on sale next Fri., Feb. 24 at 10am ET. Tickets for this and all 2012 MY KINDA PARTY TOUR dates can be purchased online at www.livenation.com and Ticketmaster charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

“It feels like 2011 was sort of my coming out year, but this is a milestone I’ve been working toward for over a decade,” said Aldean. “From the days when my mom used to drive me all over Georgia and I was playing clubs for 20 people my dream was always to play for 20,000. Big shout out to all my peeps in Georgia for throwing me such a big coming home party!”

Aldean is nominated for six ACM Awards, including his second consecutive nods for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, as well as Album of the Year for MY KINDA PARTY, Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for "Don't You Wanna Stay" feat. Kelly Clarkson and Video of the Year for "Tattoos on this Town." The April 1 show will air live from Las Vegas on CBS.

A Macon, GA native, Aldean has sold more than six million copies of his four studio albums and topped the charts with eight No. one songs. His current single, “Fly Over States,” is climbing up the Top 25 at country radio and follows in the footsteps of four consecutive No. one singles off his DOUBLE PLATINUM album MY KINDA PARTY. The reigning CMA Album of the Year, MY KINDA PARTY was the top-selling country album of 2011 and the No. five best-seller in all genres.

Media Contact:
Mary Hilliard Harrington
The GreenRoom
615-242-7444
maryhilliard@thegreenroompr.com

"Red Sippy Cup?"

Toby Keith has been nominated for his first ever NICKELODEON KID'S AWARD for FAVORITE MALE SINGER (all genres)!

Quotes from TK's promotion team today:

"THE BACK SEAT OF THE SOCCER MOM'S MINI VAN LOVES RED SOLO CUP. Children are the future…P1s… KID's are being turned on to this song by your CURRENT P1s…their MOMS."

Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and Kid Rock Headline BamaJam 2012

Tickets Go on Sale Friday, March 2, 2012, for the three-day entertainment music festival to be held in Enterprise, Ala., June 14-16.

Fans of all music genres will experience non-stop entertainment by today’s most popular acts from dual headline stages set at BamaJam Farms, a 1600-acre farm which includes such amenities as ATV trails, camping/RV sites and even a waterpark. Country star and BamaJam 2012 spokesman Darryl Worley will perform and host the opening night of what promises to be one of the grandest outdoor entertainment extravaganzas. Tickets will go on sale Friday, March 2, 2012, and will feature a special three-day $99.00 price, available for a very limited time only. For more information or to purchase tickets as they become available, please visit www.bamajam2012.com.

Country superstar and actor Tim McGraw will close out the first day of BamaJam 2012 on June 14. McGraw’s most recent studio album, Emotional Traffic, was released on January 24 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The first single, “Felt Good on My Lips,” hit #1 and remained there for three consecutive weeks. His recent single, “Better than I Used to Be,” is currently at #20 on the Billboard Country chart and climbing. McGraw’s accolades include three GRAMMY© awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM), 11 Country Music Association Awards (CMA) and three People’s Choice Awards. He has starred in such blockbuster movies as “Blind Side,” “Country Strong” and “Friday Night Lights.”

The Atlanta-based, award-winning group Zac Brown Band will take the stage to headline Friday’s BamaJam2012 performances. Exploding onto the country music scene in 2008 with the release of their double-platinum project The Foundation, Zac Brown Band has since become one of the most-sought-after groups on the touring market. The CD was the first major-label debut album in 18 years to spawn five #1 singles including “Chicken Fried” and “Free.” The band recently earned four GRAMMY© nominations including "Best Country Album" for their sophomore release, You Get What You Give, and five CMA award nominations including "Entertainer of the Year." Previous awards include the 2010 GRAMMY© award for "Best New Artist," 2010 CMA award for "New Artist of the Year," 2009 ACM win for "Top New Vocal Group" and the 2009 "USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year" award from CMT for their video "Chicken Fried."

Kid Rock, the adopted “Son of the South,” is set to close out the final day of performances at BamaJam 2012. Racking up sales of almost 25 million units from eight studio albums since 1998, Rock is one of the biggest concert draws in the touring industry. Released in 2007, Rock ‘N Roll Jesus was the biggest-selling rock album of 2008 and not only debuted at #1 but stayed on the charts for 100 weeks. In November 2010, Atlantic Records released the platinum-selling Born Free, which was inspired by events taking place in Rock’s hometown of Detroit, Mich. A five-time GRAMMY© nominee, Kid Rock has received numerous awards including American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, CMT Music Awards (which he also hosted in 2010 and 2011) and People’s Choice Awards, among others.

“I’m looking forward to coming to ‘Sweet Home’ and playing with my friends, Zac Brown Band and Tim McGraw,” said Rock. “Turn it up! We’re gonna’ set this place on fire!!”

Darryl Worley will perform and host the opening night of BamaJam 2012. Worley has hit the country charts more than 20 times over the past decade. His chart-toppers include “I Miss My Friend,” “Awful, Beautiful Life” and the iconic “Have You Forgotten.” Darryl’s latest album, One Time Around, will be released in June 2012, and the first single, “You Still Got It,” will begin hitting radio March 19, 2012.

BamaJam 2012 Executive Producer, Rendy Lovelady preparing for the festival says, “This is going to be the biggest festival ever! BamaJam 2012 is expected to bring in fans to the Enterprise, Ala., community from almost every state across the nation and deliver them an uncompromised musical experience.” BamaJam 2012 is a production of Bama Jam Entertainment, LLC.

For more information about BamaJam 2012 artists, tickets, camping, directions, parking and vendors, please visit www.bamajam2012.com.

Media Contacts:
Webster & Associates
Shelly Mullins / shelly@websterpr.com / 615-777-6995 x235
Caitlin DeForest / caitlin@websterpr.com / 615-777-6995 x240

For radio promotions, contact:
The Hot Seat
Jason Turner / jason@hotseatonline.com

CountryTune.com: "Tell Us What You Really Think, Miranda"

Miranda Lambert has drawn some attention questioning why Chris Brown performed twice on Sunday's Grammy Awards show. "He beat on a girl... not cool that we act like that didn't happen." Lambert tweeted referring to assault charges brought against Brown for beating up then girlfriend Rihanna before the 2009 Grammy's.

Billy Dean “Live From Our Living Room”

On March 31, in celebration of his 50th birthday, the country star launches the first official live date of the on-going series that will take place at his farm, ‘Dean Acres’ located just outside of Nashville in Liberty, TN.

“When I said the ‘Dean Acres’ concert events were going to be a barnburner, I didn’t mean it literally,” says Dean. “Despite the loss of our onsite barn and guesthouse, we’re going to kick this thing off at the end of March. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 50th birthday.”

This past holiday season while Dean was touring with Kenny Rogers, the ‘Dean Acres’ barn (which would have doubled as a guesthouse for concertgoers) burned to the ground. The barn was a total loss with Dean losing thousands of dollars in farm equipment in addition to career memorabilia from his early years as a recording artist.

Ticket holders for the “Live From Our Living Room” concerts will be welcomed to Dean’s family farm where they will be served a hot country-style meal and treated to live acoustic performances by the country music star and special guests. Tickets for the event are on-sale now through Dean’s website, www.billydean.com.

Additional “Live From Our Living Room” concert dates will be announced on Dean’s website in the coming weeks.

Taylor Swift Celebrated In Los Angeles Last Night

She garnered two GRAMMY awards for Best Country Solo Vocal Performance for “Mean” and Best Country Song for “Mean”, capping an incredible journey for her #1 hit.

Taylor performed the song during the CBS telecast to a standing ovation.

Country Grammy News

Jason Aldean is gearing up for a big Grammy splash. Aldean is up for three different awards including Best Country Album for "My Kinda Party." Additionally Jason will be performing "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson during the Grammy Awards which airs Sunday on CBS, live from L.A.

Carrie Underwood will be performing with Tony Bennett, the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Underwood is up for five Grammys of her own, including Best Solo Performance for "Mama's Song."

Lady A will also be on stage to present an award.

-- Joe Patrick's CountryTune.com

10 Years After Hitting Nashville, He Celebrates His 1st #1

“People who know me, know that I can get teary,” cautioned David Nail in front of the backdrop at ASCAP’s Music Row offices, where over 100 people had gathered to help celebrate “Let It Rain,” the Grammy-nominated vocalist’s first #1 single. Not only did the single make history as the longest rising #1 since the inception of the country radio charts, but Nail also co-wrote the song of mistakes and consequences with ASCAP writer Jonathan Singleton.

“There was a point when I was so low, I didn’t know… and I called Jason (Sheer, who owns the Tin Roof), who told me I was playing there that night. He didn’t ask me, he told me. “I swear, that call and that night changed everything,” he continued. “If I hadn’t gone out to the Tin Roof and sung, I would’ve gone back home to Missouri.”

Presentations were made by the Country Music Association, the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc., BMG Music Publishing and ASCAP, whose Ryan Beuschel also gave Nail a guitar to commemorate his first #1. After 48 weeks, a lot of white-knuckle moments, and last minute pushes by the MCA Promotion team and the faith of country radio, David Nail had finally arrived in the #1 Club.

“There are so many people to thank, so many people who believed and helped and fought,” Nail said. “There have been so many moments when it felt like it would all fall apart, but people kept in there with us. They didn’t want to give up, either, and that’s maybe the mark of making a difference with a song or an album: when people care enough to not just move on. Right now, I feel like the luckiest man in the world.”

Pausing for only a moment to thank the people who came, he posed for pictures, did interviews and then headed straight to his bus for a string of Texas and Arizona dates before starting a California run. “The Sound of A Million Dreams” is slated to follow up “Let It Rain” as Nail’s next single. He will also be seen in Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces Showcase in Nashville.

Brantley Gilbert Fears Forgetting The Words

Gilbert puts on a very high energy show in concert, but he admits that every once in a while his mind wanders from what he's doing and he says, “Forgetting the words is one of my biggest fears, I think. (Laughs) That'd be pretty embarrassing if I froze up cause a lot of my songs are wordy. I don‟t know where I'd pick it back up at.”

If he ever does forget the words to one of his songs Brantley jokes, “ I'll figure something out. I'll fake a fall or a broke leg or something.”

Fortunately his latest single, “You Don‟t Know Her Like I Do,” is a bit slower and might be easier to pick back up if he ever does draw a blank.

Bid On Kellie Pickler's Truck, Help USO

Ram Truck continues its connection with country music by creating a 2012 "Road to the Ram Jam" concert series that will allow fans to see their favorite country artists up close and register for a drawing to win gifts and prizes.

Five concerts are scheduled this year, plus a year-end invitation-only Ram Jam concert in December.

The first officially announced concert will be with "American Idol" alum Kellie Pickler, who gets to use a fully loaded Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn for the year that will be auctioned off in 2013 with proceeds going to the USO, a nonprofit group dedicated to lifting the spirits of America's troops and their families.

She told the Chicago Tribute yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show: "The first thing I learned to drive was my grandpa's truck, so I'm definitely a truck girl. I'm excited to be part of Ram Truck's Road to the Ram Jam. We're going to have a lot of fun on that 'Road' — me and my Laramie. I'm also excited that we will be auctioning off my Ram truck at the end of the year to benefit our veterans in need."

Other concerts will be announced throughout the year, with each performer given a new Ram truck for auctioning at the end of a 12-month run.

Blake-TV

Blake Shelton sat down with Jay Leno on the NBC Tonight Show last night (2/2). After the witty interview, he performed his latest single ‘Drink On It.’

• Blake on marriage to Miranda joked: “Everybody says it always changes but were just as miserable now as we were before we got married”
• Blake revealed that the longest time he and Miranda have spent together was the past holiday break (Thanksgiving through the New Years) at home due to the busy touring schedule
• Blake on the thing that irritates him since marriage to Miranda: “I can’t stand the things she watches on television, we only have one television so we watch she wants to watch…..‘Say Yes To the Dress’ is the worst television show she watches that crap….It’s hell”
• Blake said “I watch what she wants to watch” and then confessed to watching “The Note Book” with Miranda and said he cried.
• On performing the Super Bowl:“That is the high point for a singer.”

Blake revealed that the ‘The Voice Judges’ are in a Super Bowl commercial promoting the ‘Voice’ show, Blake compared the fight scene in the commercial to the ‘Kill Bill movie (In the commercial Blake and Adam Levine have a fight scene, where Adam punches Blake throwing him back onto a table and smashing it)

Today, he guests with "Ellen."

Country Music Has A Highway

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Country Music Highway committee members, TourSEKY members and Country Music Hall of Fame Member Tom T. Hall just announced the launch of two new initiatives surrounding the legendary highway (U.S. Route 23), now referred to as the “Country Music Highway.”

This stretch of road, which winds along the Eastern corridor of Kentucky, has given rise to a remarkable number of country artists including Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Billy Ray Cyrus, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Whitley, Dwight Yoakam, Gary Stewart, Patty Loveless, Billy Ray Cyrus, Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn, Rebecca Lynn Howard and many more.

The announcement made at the State Capital introduced the “Country Music Highway Road to Fame” talent competition which will allow the discovery of the next generation of talented artists from the area, as well as the development of a charitable organization, the “Country Music Highway Arts Education Fund”which will support music programs in Kentucky schools and aid children in discovering a passion for music without utilizing state education funds.

Blake And Miranda To Sing "Mitt Romney's Favorite Song" On Super Sunday

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert will perform "America The Beautiful" before the kick-off of Sunday's Super Bowl.

This will be their first performance together since getting married.

The song is already available for download on iTunes.