Billboard named Carrie Underwood the #1 Hot Country Songs Artist of 2008, and she was also the most-heard country artist of the year. Underwood has three nominations and will sing at the People's Choice Awards on January 7. Other engagements and honors this year include co-host of the CMA Awards, headliner of the Carnival Ride tour and joining the Grand Ole Opry.
Taylor Swift's album sales have surpassed the 5 million mark with her latest release, Fearless, which already has 1.5 million sales. Her self-titled debut album sold 3.7 million unit. Billboard named her the best-selling country artist of 2008, and she ranks fourth in sales across all genres, where she trails Josh Groban, Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus.
Lady Antebellum is performing on NBC's "Today" show tomorrow to celebrate Christmas Eve. The trio will sing "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (now available exclusively on iTunes) and their debut single, "Love Don't Live Here." The Grammy-nominated band has had quite the year. As Hillary Scott said, "I'll definitely be doing some last-minute Christmas power shopping in the city. I can't think of a better way to end what has been a truly unbelievable year for us."
According to a People magazine interview, Tim McGraw said he is not pursuing the 2010 Tennessee governor's post - at least, at this time. "There's no truth to this," McGraw's representative told People. "It's something he is interested in but not for 2010. Later in life."
The New Republic reported earlier this month that McGraw was a potential candidate; however, he never publicly stated this himself.
The second annual BamaJam Music & Arts Festival continues to add artists to its 2009 lineup. Thus far, the following are confirmed to appear at the fest, taking place June 4 - 6 in Enterprise, AL:
Kid Rock, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Charlie Daniels, Gary Allan, 38 Special, Los Lonely Boys, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Aaron Tippin, Heidi Newfield, Pat Green, John Anderson, Luke Bryan, The Whigs, Jamey Johnson, LoCash Cowboys and Houston County.
For complete festival info, stay tuned to the BamaJam website.
Mindy McCready remains hospitalized after an attempted suicide on December 17. The country star reportedly slashed her wrists and took unspecified pills. Fortunately, McCready's mother was concerned after receiving a call from her daughter, so she phoned McCready's brother, Timothy, who came to check on her and found her bloody in her bedroom.
McCready was treated at a rehab center in July for a nervous breakdown after revealing she had an affair with baseball player Roger Clemens.
Country legend George Strait recently announced his 2009 tour dates and opening act Julianne Hough, Mercy Nashville recording artist and two-time "Dancing with the Stars" champion. Additional openers will be announced soon. The tour begins on May 9 in Hidalgo, TX, and will run through July 25. For a compete list of tour dates, check out George Strait's website.
The 40th annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, aka Jazz Fest, has announced hundreds of performing artists. The two-weekend festival, taking place April 24 - 26 and April 30 - May 3, will feature an eclectic mix of artists from Sugarland and the Drive-By Truckers to Emmylou Harris, Etta James, Aretha Franklin and so many others.
Check the Jazz Fest website for a complete listing of artists and info.
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