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Worst Country Hits of 2010

Calling some of these songs country is a stretch, but that's not why they're on the list. They're here because, in my humble opinion, they're bad in any genre and didn't deserve the unending airplay they received in 2010. Guess that's why my radio has lots of buttons!

10. "Stuck Like Glue" Sugarland

As catchy as a cold and just as annoying. It won't kill you but you sure don't want it in your head.

9. "Turn on the Radio" Reba McEntire

I love Reba, but this song stinks. The lyrics try too hard to be hip and clever, the music sounds like a reality TV show intro, and the singing ... well,, it's Reba, so the singing is just fine. But it's not enough to make me want to hear this song.

(And a side note: Why are Reba and Jeniffer Nettles torturing men in their videos? It's kind of sick, ladies.)

8. "Southern Voice" Tim McGraw

He's so much better than this silly little list of Southern-ism. Where's the passion, heart, soul and swagger of the old Tim? Oh, right -- he saves it for the movies now. (Loved you in The Blind Side!)
Update: I love "Felt Good on My Lips" so I guess he's not saving it all for the big screen!

7. "Anything Like Me" Brad Paisley

This song is just a re-write of the earlier hit "Letter to Me." The original was better.

6. Changed my mind and deleted this one!

5. "Bonfire" Craig Morgan

This song in indistinguishable from a dozen other country hits about the joy of stomping in the hillbilly backwood boondocks, except for maybe being the second worst use of a great country voice in 2010. (See No. 3 below for the worst use.)

4. "Hip To My Heart" The Band Perry

Instead of "More cowbell," I think someone said "More fiddle" and tried to make this a country song instead of a mediocre bubble-gum pop tune that even Katy Perry couldn't pull off. Cowbell might have worked better. And the lyrics were the second stupidest to ooze out of country radio in 2010.

Honorable Mention: The stupidest lyrics award for 2010 goes to "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking?" Rhyming lookin', bookends, cookin' and, well, lookin' again? Geez, buy a thesaurus or something! But the actual song is NOT on my worst list because Blake Shelton sings it so beautifully and I like the music (and video) so much. That, and because I adore Blake.

3. "Undo It" Carrie Underwood

The voice of an angel and she screams "uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh" and "na-na-na-na-na-na" or some other unintelligible gibberish? What a waste. Let's hope she's gotten whatever "It" was out of her system. (Her dancing in this video does look a bit like she's having an exorcism, so hopefully that took care of "It.")

2. "Keep On Lovin' You" Steel Magnolia

I really don't get the appeal of this song but I know a lot of people just love it. To me, it sounds like a rejected American Idol performance ("Simon, listen to my range!!!!) -- but without the humor. I'd rather hear "Pants on the Ground" or Snookie sing a Journey medley than listen to Meghan Linsey scream/sing/moan scales again.

1. "If I Die Young Young" The Band Perry

It's not the tween-pandering emo lyrics (I can still channel my inner Bella and go all moony if needed); or the catchy, sappy music that make me change the station every time this song comes on. It's Kimberley Perry's attempts to hit notes so far out of her range that I literally cringe in pain when I hear/feel them. When she sings, "The sharp knife, of a short liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiife," it feels like a sharp knife in my ear. If not for that painful pitch, I'd probably download this one.

So there's my list. Maybe it's just me!

The Best Country Songs of 2010

Let's start with five songs you may have never heard because they weren't released as singles (but should have been) or never made it very high up the charts.

5. "Blossom in the Dust" Mallary Hope

This is a song Dolly Parton would have made a hit from during the '70s. A beautifully told story about love and the human spirit, with simple, swelling music and Hope's clear, strong voice, it's just a shame country radio has lost its taste for this kind of song. More people should here and be touched by its power and promise.

4. "Ain't Much Left of Lovin' You" Randy Montana

I love the story of heartbreak that is so visually painted with these lyrics: "That old porch swing, those songs we sang and the cold and bitter truth... the heaven we had, the hell that I'm going through, other than that, there ain't much left of lovin' you." Great guitar and drums drive the song along like a man falling head-first into a bottle.

3. "Tell Me" Jake Owen

This little-noticed single (it peaked at 35) shows Owen is a vocal powerhouse and I have no idea why it wasn't embraced by radio. Too cowboy-sounding? I loved the old Western sound of it. Is Owen's country hottie/bad boy image coming back to haunt him? Did the video's '70s porn vibe turn people off? Possibly. Let's hope the new CD promised in 2011 will get Owen the attention his singing and songwriting deserves, and the bad boy persona is laid to rest. With his talent, he doesn't need it. Don't believe me? See him live and you'll be a believer.

2. "Delilah" and "Draggin' the River" Blake Shelton

A sad and beautiful little cut from the otherwise goofy fun "Hillbilly Bone" CD -- I mean six-pack (let's leave that idea behind in 2010!) -- "Delilah" highlights Shelton's vocal and songwriting prowess. This song really should have been a single.

I'm hoping there still might be a chance we'll get "Draggin' the River" -- Blake's upbeat, twangy, funny duet with finance Miranda Lambert on the radio. I've heard that it won't be released because Blake and Miranda are on different labels. Come on, country radio -- you got Brad Paisley to release "This is Country Music" early. Why not use your muscle to get "Draggin' the River" released. Think of it as a wedding present!

1. "Strangers on a Train" David Nail

Probably my favorite song on the excellent "I'm About to Come Alive" CD, the bluesy music, fascinating storyline and outstanding vocals (with help from Miranda Lambert) leave me feeling like I just watched a great old movie that I want to see again and again. Every note, perfection! Why wasn't this a single in 2010?! Can we hope for it in 2011?

And now the songs you did hear...

5. "The Boys of Fall" Kenny Chesney

This song sounds beautiful, tells a compelling story and touches the heart with its earnestness and passion. I knew it would be a hit the first time I heard it, and I never change the station when it's on. (I'll leave others to speculate as to why one of they year's most heart-felt love songs is about football players.)

4. "She Won't Be Lonely Long" Clay Walker and "Love Like Crazy" Lee Brice (tie)

I put these two together because they remind me of the classic country of my youth. Simple stories, strong (but not show-stopping or overwhelming) vocals, and charming music that just lets the story play out. Refreshing, both of them. I'm not surprised neither made it to number one because they're kind of old fashioned. But I do love them both.

2. "Highway 20 Ride" Zac Brown Band

This song is so sad, sweet and beautiful, it makes me cry every damn time I hear it. Awesome songwriting, understated music, great harmonies. It tells a story that touches the heart. ("As She's Walking Away" is also great.)

1. "The Truth" Jason Aldean

Go away, you haters. Say what you will about Jason Aldean's brand of rockin' country (which I happen to love), you can't deny that this haunting ballad of a broken man is pure country worthy of Waylon or Cash. Or at least Crazy Heart's Bad Blake.

Other songs I loved in 2010: "Suffocating" by Blake Shelton; "From a Table Away" by Sunny Sweeney; "Hell on the Heart" and "Smoke a Little "Smoke" by Eric Church; "Way Out Here" and "Won't Be Lonely Long" by Josh Thompson; "The Call" by Matt Kennon; "Little White Church" by Little Big Town, "Mine" by Taylor Swift; "Lies" by Martina McBride; "Up on the Ridge" and "Draw Me a Map" by Dierks Bentley; "Hello World" by Lady Antebellum; "The Man I Want to Be" and "Rainy Night in Georgia" by Chris Young.

Is Brantley Gilbert Jason Aldean's Favorite Songwriter?

Brantley Gilbert must be one of Jason Aldean's favorite songwriters. When Jason announced the track listings for his new CD Monday, Brantley fans also got a special treat: The CD will include two of Brantley's songs.

Jason's first single and the CD's title track, "My Kind of Party," appears of Brantley's CD "Halfway to Heaven."

Brantley announced that Jason was releasing "My Kinda Party" earlier this month via his blog. "It's an honor that someone like Jason would want to record one of my songs. I'm proud to see my name attached to Jason's version and hope you guys feel the same.

"This is a big step for me as a songwriter and I couldn't have asked for a better artist to perform the song. After all, he is a Georgia boy! I love how passionate you all are about this song and my music, I just want you to know that this is a good thing," he assured his fans.

"Let's show support as Jason runs 'My Kinda Party' up the charts! This is a great thing for all of us, including you. Thanks again for all your support! Can I get a hell yeah?!!!!" Brantley asks his fans.

Hell yeah!

Brantley's "Dirt Road Anthem" (originally recorded by Brantley's good friend Colt Ford) will also be on Jason's new CD. Brantley's "The Best of Me" was an iTunes exclusive track on Jason's platinum "Wide Open" and appears on Brantley's "Modernday Prodigal Son" CD.

While Brantley has yet to find success as a singer (despite having one of the best voices I've ever heard!), having Jason Aldean record three of his songs could help him get the attention he so deserves.

Jason's new CD is due November 2 and will include 15 tracks, including a duet with Kelly Clarkson. “The album is named MY KINDA PARTY because it’s totally representative of what I like and what my fans have come to expect on my records and at the ‘party’ we throw at our shows,” Jason said. “I think the key is knowing who you are as an artist and taking it to an extreme without ripping anybody else off...it’s all about knowing what it is that sets you apart.”

A preview of Jason Aldean's "My Kind of Party" CD cover was just posted on his Facebook page. Watch the video at www.facebook.com/jasonaldean. 

Check out Brantley Gilbert on at www.brantleygilbert.com and www.Twitter.com/brantleygilbert. If you don't know his music, you're really missing a major talent!

More About Brantley Gilbert

• Brantley Gilbert’s “Halfway to Heaven” Impresses With Powerful Songwriting, Vocals
• Brantley Gilbert Gets Set to Go “Halfway to Heaven” With New CD
• Brantley Gilbert Finds His Music Video Star on YouTube
• Brantley Gilbert is Looking For a Few Real Girls

Dierks Gets to Share "My Last Name" Again

Congratulations to Dierks and Cassidy Bentley, whose household will be growing again this Christmas. Dierks and Cassidy are expecting a baby around the holiday, Dierks tells PEOPLE magazine.

"We're so excited that our daughter Evie is going to get a baby sister or brother for Christmas," says Dierks in the PEOPLE exclusive posted online today.

Dierks said their toddler Evie is looking forward to having a new baby brother or sister. "She's pretty obsessed with a baby doll she carries around now ... We'll see how she does with the real thing!" Bentley says.

No word on how Jake and George, the Bentley family dogs, feel about the new family member. He told talk show host Bonnie Hunt that the boys are very protective of Evie.

"They were very patient," Dierks says of his beloved dogs, adding that they have been very accepting of Evie despite understandable concerns from him and his wife, Cassidy. "Jake thinks his job is to protect me from squirrels," the proud dad explains. "And he thought kids were big squirrels."

It didn't take Jake long to understand that Evie was a member of the family and also someone to be protected, The Boot reported last year. "He's been great, ever since she came along," Bentley praised his pet. "I brought the blanket home [from the hospital] and [let him] sniff it before she arrived. He's funny, we'll go to check on Evie and we'll look into the crib and there's Jake, right there with us. He wants to check on her, too."

Looks Like Jake Owen Got Some New Ink

Country singers Tyler Reeve and Jake Owen got into a little mischief this week. According to Tyler's Facebook page, Jake got some new ink, and Tyler posted the pictures to share it.

"Jake Owen getting his new tattoo... On a whim- after a few beers - on our way to dibber," Tyler wrote. (Not sure, but we think dibber is probably dinner?")

Neither Tyler or Jake posted a picture of the finished tattoo, but the caption on the last picture calls it "The Tennessee stars." We can't wait to see the finished art!

Jake has at least two other tattoos (that we know of!): The name "Pearl" on his left wrist and a Waylon Jennings-inspired "W" on his right forearm.

These pictures are under Wall Photos on Tyler's Facebook page, where a Jake fan spotted them and posted them in the Forum on Jake's Fan Club site.

Want a Sneak Peek at the Next Jake Owen Single?

Jake Owen told the crowd at his concert Saturday night in South Carolina that he's decided on the next single: "Trip to Heaven." And even better news, he said it will be released in the fall (hopefully with a new CD following soon!).

The tune was recorded in June with Sarah Buxton helping out on vocals.

The above video is from Jake's Fan Club Party June 11 in Nashville, and Jake's Fan Tweet www.Twitter.com/JakeOwenFans shared the single news and this video link this morning.

"Trip to Heaven" was the only new song Jake shared at the Fan Club Party. He did several new song (and old songs that haven't been on a CD yet) for the standing-room-only crowd at 12th and Porter, and fans got some great video. I can't wait to see which ones make it on the next CD!

• I Ain't the One Who Said Goodbye
• Nobody Feelin' No Pain
• Love Ya Love Ya Love Ya
• Keeping It Country

There is also an official Jake Owen Fan Club Video (but the fan ones are more fun!).

Jimmy Wayne Steals a Man's Identity--and the Victim is "Cool with it"!

There's a great story in the Phoenix New Times about Jimmy Wayne's inadvertent foray into identity theft -- of an Arizona Corporate Commission candidate!

Jimmy, who's finishing his walk from Nashville to Phoenix to raise awareness of teen homelessness and Project Meet Me Halfway, took a little break at an Arizona karaoke bar last week, going on stage with a secret identity.

"Ok every1, I'm letting you N on a secret: I'm going to enter a Karaoke contest tonite in Show Low AZ (undercover as Berry Wong)!stay tuned: Barry Wong," he tweeted to his fans.

Jimmy donned a pink tank top and sang "Neon Moon" for the unsuspecting crowd. News of the joke made it to local politician Barry Wong, who said he's cool with the country star stealing his identity.

"I'm flattered he would associate my name with his famous country music star name and reputation, even if in jest," Barry Wong told the New Times.

Read the article at http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2010/07/barry_wong_candidate_for_corpo.php

Find out more about Jimmy Wayne's Project Meet Me Halfway

Follow Jimmy Wayne on Twitter

Country Music Food for the Soul Benefit Concert June 11

Country Music Tattle Tale is excited to announce the Country Music Food for the Soul Concert benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. This intimate, acoustic concert featuring Matt Gary, TelluRide, Ash Bowers, Fast Ryde, The Harters and the Carter Twins will be held at The Rutledge in downtown Nashville on Friday, June 11th at 2pm. Tickets are $15 and 100% of the proceeds will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Tickets are on sale now at www.therutledgelmv.com

 Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee has been hard at work to meet the needs of our community throughout the crisis from the recent floods. The widespread damage caused by the flooding throughout Tennessee resulted in 31 of the 46 counties in their service area to be classified as federal disaster areas. The flooding throughout Tennessee has affected our communities both personally and professionally, with many losing homes and belongings along with their jobs, businesses and income. Keeping the Second Harvest Food Bank warehouse stocked for the ongoing needs of victims in our community is a necessity. Your support is more vital than ever to help them fulfill their mission to feed our neighbors in need throughout the long-term recovery and rebuilding process. If you are unable to make it to the show you can still help! Starting Tuesday, May 25th Country Music Tattle Tale will be launching our online eBay auctions that will include autographed memorabilia from your favorite country music artists. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN.

Visit www.countrymusictattletale.com/benefit-concert for more information.

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee: Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee opened its doors in 1978 with commitment from several community leaders. The purpose of the organization was to provide a central distribution center for companies, groups, and individuals who wished to help provide food for Middle Tennessee's hungry. Second Harvest's mission is to feed hungry people and work to solve hunger issues in our community. http://www.secondharvestmidtn.org

About Country Music Tattle Tale: Country Music Tattle Tale is a unique country music website that brings country music fans from the entire world together to discuss and interact with each other. The website thrives on fan interaction, and it is our goal to reach out to fans across the world and get their feedback on music, artists and current events that make country music such an eclectic and fantastic genre of music.

www.countrymusictattletale.com

Artist Information:

Matt Gary: www.mattgarymusic.com/

TelluRide: www.myspace.com/tellurideband

Ash Bowers: www.ashbowers.com/

The Harters: www.theharters.tv/

Carter Twins: www.cartertwins.com

Update: Comparing Josh Gracin vs Jake Owen Fitness Challenges

Josh Gracin and Jake Owen have both issued a “fitness challenge” via Twitter to their fans. The hunky country singers want to get people in shape for the summer and are offering up some nice prizes. But who has the better plan to slim down their fans?

	Josh Gracin	Jake Owen	Advantage
Start Date	March 30	April 1	Team Jake –  2 extra days of prep
Finish Date	May 2	June 15	Team Jake –  6 extra weeks of working out
Plan	Diet, exercise, a half-gallon of water a day	P90X, an $118.95 DVD workout plan that also recommends $119.95 a month protein shakes, or “Just 90 days 2 be better!!!”	Team Josh – Sensible plan, affordable
Expertise	Former Marine, Current Hottie	Former athlete (does golf count?), Current Hottie	Tie
Prize	Be in a Josh Gracin photo shoot	Trip to Nashville for July 4th Weekend with Jake	Team Jake – It’s a vacation with Jake on a houseboat!
Humiliating Requirement	Send Josh your height, weight and waist measurements via Twitter direct message (private)	Email pictures of yourself to jakeowen@groundctrl.com	Team Josh (just seems more private)
Short-term reward	Josh will follow everyone who participates.	Free access to the JakeOwen.net website for 90 days	Tie
Quote	“I do not have a personal trainer :-) u guys are my personal trainers:) we will do this together.”	“I'm so proud to see people taking this 90 day health challenge. I promise it will be worth it. Think about how sexy you'll be by July 4th!”	Team Josh
Diet tips via Twitter	“breakfest I'm eating 9 eggs. 7 egg whites and 2 whole eggs followed by a bowl of oatmeal. Also speed walking or stair climbers burn more fat”	“Chicken, biscuits, sweet tea.... = Sunday” “On my way to Jack Daniels distillery “ “Free beers are always good. “ This must be pre-diet plan! It's Day 2 and still no advice from Jake. Hmmm.	Team Josh
How to win	“The one who has changed their physical appearence the most”	(a) the amount of physical improvement in terms of weight loss and overall image (50%); and (b) how well the diet and exercise plan conforms with the essence of the Jake Owen Fitness Challenge (50%).	Tie
Advice/Daily Motivation	No dairy, not fruit after lunch; regular encouragement and updates (but he's going on vacation so these may slow down or stop)	None.	Team Josh (some advice is better than none)

Neither Josh nor Jake are doctors, personal trainers, nutritionists, etc., but hey, they’re both hotties and their intentions are good, so why not?

But considering what people will do to meet their favorite country stars, let’s hope no one goes too far and hurts themselves.

Follow the Josh and Jake Fitness Challenges online: Josh Gracin at Twitter.com/joshgracin and Jake Owen at Twitter.com/jakeofficial and JakeOwen.net.

Vicky Dobbin is a music lover and writer in Falls Church, Virginia. Follow her at www.Twitter.com/vdobbin. Read her blog at www.LoveMyCountryMusic.com.

There Was Almost a Jake Owen Song on the New Blake Shelton CD!

There should have been a song written by Jake Owen on Blake Shelton's new CD "Hillbilly Bone," but it seems bad timing got in the way.

Blake recently told Country Countdown USA host Lon Helton about the Jake Owen song that got away. “I do want to talk about Jake because I’m mad at him right now,” Blake said is his usual joking manner. Seems Blake was sent a Jake Owen song to consider, and when he sent word back that he was interested, the song was no longer available.

Jake gave his side of the story on this week’s Countdown, explaining, “I was ready to give it to him … but the guys at the label loved the song and they wanted to record, so I ended up having to call Blake back and say, ‘Man, I’m sorry, I’m going to record it.’”

Blake happily reports that he got back at Jake back for pulling the song. “Three months ago, Jake Owen was calling me going, ‘Hey man, if you still want that song for your album…’ And I said no sir, I don’t need it for my album now. I don’t want it anymore.

“So I think I got even with Jake and that’s not easy to do. That’s what you get, Jake,” Blake said with a chuckle.

Of course Jake also laughed about the song snafu and Blake’s comments. “It was pretty flattering when Blake called me and asked me for that song.,” he told Helton. “To this day he gives me so much crap for that.”

Blake often gives Jake grief on Twitter, even posting a very funny photo and comment about Jake’s new haircut during the CMA Awards show last fall (see http://img121.yfrog.com/i/1g0.jpg/).

Jake is a huge fan and calls Blake “one of my favorite singers out on the radio. He could sing the phone book…”

And apparently Blake is a fan of Jake’s writing skills. Blake is “always asks me for songs. When he’s making a record he always calls me and asks me if I’ve got any songs for him that I’ve written. It means a lot to me because he’s a great songwriter. Just to think that he thinks that much of my songs makes me feel pretty good as a songwriter.”

Hear the full sound clip and more from Lon Helton’s interview with Jake Owen at www.countrycountdownusa.com .

Jake Owen Mixes Twang and Heartbreak With New Single “Tell Me”

After releasing the bluesy “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” and rockin’ “Eight Second Ride,” Jake Owen is showing us more of his country side with the twangy and pedal steel guitar-filled “Tell Me.” The song is the third single from his 2009 CD “Easy Does It.”

A dark, haunting tale of a man who just can’t let go of a cheating lover despite his broken heart, “Tell Me” features one of Jake’s strongest vocal performances and a nice touch of twang.

Jake says “Tell Me” is one of his favorites and calls it his “Bonanza song.”

“The intro to it really sets the mood,” he explains. “It’s got this dark, mysterious kind of sound to it. It starts out with kind of the John Wayne riding in on the open range, then you’ve got like the Bonanza thing in there.”

The song is already getting requests on country radio and has received positive feedback as Seattle radio station KMPS’s test track. You can listen to the track and vote at http://goo.gl/fb/TmVn

Jake headlined the Eagle Winter Blast in Hampton, Virginia, with Steel Magnolia, Love and Theft, Mallary Hope, Danny Gokey and Easton Corbin. This spring with he’ll open several shows for Jason Aldean and then Sugarland, as well as at least one date with Miranda Lambert.

“Tell Me” is the third single from Jake’s second CD, “Easy Does It.” The first single, “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You,” went to #2 on the Billboard Top Country Chart. The last single, “8 Second Ride,” was a top-10 hit and spend 32 weeks on the Billboard chart.

Songwriting Women of Nashville Top the Charts

What do Jason Aldean’s “The Truth” and Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar” have in common? Of course they’re both number 1 songs this week (“The Truth” sits on top of the Billboard Hot Country Chart and “White Liar” is on top of the USAToday/MediaBase Chart) but they share something else: Female songwriters.

“White Liar” was penned by Miranda Lambert and Natalie Hemby; “The Truth” by Brett James and Ashley Monroe.

Miranda Lambert, who is celebrating her first chart topper, regularly writes or co-writes most of songs and is well-respected for her work as both a singer and a songwriting.

Jason Aldean is celebrating his third number 1 from his “Wide Open” CD, which includes “She’s Country,” co-written by Bridgette Tatum. He’s also had success with songs written by another woman, Vicky Lynn McGehee, who co-wrote “Why,” “Hicktown,” and “Johnny Cash.”

With Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home,” which she co-wrote, destined to move up to the top-10, there may be four female songwriters ruling the country charts as soon as next week.

And of course Taylor Swift is another female singer/songwriter burning up the charts, as is Hillary Scott, who co-writes with her Lady Antebellum band mates and had a number 1 smash with "Need You Now." Both women have songs moving up the charts.

This impressive showing may or may not be unprecedented, but at the very least it is noteworthy. Congratulations to the songwriting women of Nashville!

Blake Shelton Plays Surprise Acoustic Show at Philly-Area Sports Bar

 Fans got a very special treat on Sunday, November 1, when country superstar Blake Shelton gave a free performance at a sports bar in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a suburb of Philadelphia.

The show, announced on Twitter on the Blake Shelton fan tweet www.twitter.com/ BSersTweet and then by Blake himself, was sponsored by a local radio station.

Blake tweeted for a few weeks prior to the announcement that he wanted to do a show in Philly where he could just sit on a barstool and "play for beer," and that's just what he did for the standing-room-only crowd that packed Taylor's sports bar. Set up on a small stage/lounge area in front of a big screen TV showing NASCAR highlights, you would have thought it was an open mic event, not a performance be someone with multiple number 1 records.

While a number of bar patrons had no idea the country star would be making an appearance  after the Eagles football game and before the Phillies baseball game, others (OK, me!) drove 150 miles each way for the show and arrived 5 hours early to make sure they got a good spot. Everyone had a great time.

Blake did a great acoustic set with no band. It was just him, his guitar, a barstool and a few beers. He seemed very comfortable in front of the small but lively crowd and based his set list on suggestions shouted from the fans he were packed in front of the small stage. Songs included old and new favorites, "Nobody But Me," "Some Beach," "The More I Drink," "Home," "I'll Just Hold On," 'Don't Make Me," "She Wouldn't Be Gone" and, of course,  "Austin."

And while I think of Blake as a singer more than a musician, this show changed that perception. I was very impressed with his guitar playing on every song, particularly the bluesy "Ol Red" and uptempo "Playboys of the Southwestern World."

I was also impressed with the crowd at Taylor's, who seemed to know every word to every song and weren't at all shy about singing along at the top of their voices!

If you ever get a chance to see Blake Shelton do an acoustic set in a small venue, don't hesitate, even if it is a 300-mile round trip. Believe me, it will be worth it!

More pictures from the show here.

Special Jake Owen Fan Gets a Faraway Call From Her Idol

Australian Jake Owen fan Shelly was expecting a “concert call” from fan club members attending Jake’s show in Akron, Ohio, Tuesday night but got more than she was even hoping for when her friends put the singer on the phone to chat.

The friends have been rallying around their Down Under sister Shelly since she told fan club members that she’s battling breast cancer. The fans have donated to an Australian Breast Cancer charity, chat with her online and on the phone, and of course send her well wishes and prayers. (See Jake Owen Supporting Special Fan During Breast Cancer Awareness Month for more.)

Fan club member Tiffany wanted to give help her Aussie sister experience a Jake Owen concert live, so she worked with Shelly’s local friends to coordinate a concert call, which came at 7 a.m. local time in Australia. (A “concert call” is when friends call each other from live shows to share the music with those who can’t attend.)

But Tiffany was hoping for more when she drove the 5½ hours from her home in Kentucky to the show at Tangier in Akron, Ohio, a benefit for the local Muffins for Mammograms charity. She handed over her cell phone and its international calling card to fan club member Linda, who had a meet and greet pass for the show, and asked Linda to put Jake on the phone to Shelly.

Thankfully, Tiffany was quickly called backstage to participate in the call. She was the only one who knew what to do when the call was dropped!  She says Jake couldn’t have been more enthusiastic or gracious about reaching out to his special fan. “Jake was so excited. When we asked him he said yes, I want to talk to her,” Tiffany reports.

Shelly apparently didn’t believe she was actually talking to Jake and quizzed him before accepting that it was really him. The fans gathered backstage during the call gave Jake some privacy to chat, but report that Shelly has Jake rolling with laughter, just as they expected she would.

Shelly’s friend Amber posted a thank you to Tiffany on Shelly’s Twitter account. “AMBER here, just spoke to Shell & she just wanted to thank u all for her chance to have a long chat with jake, she is still gobsmacked.”

Tiffany (pictured in the photo on the right, with Jake and fan Kathy) doesn’t want to take any credit for Shelly’s surprise. “Everybody at the concert made it a very special call—the staff at the venue, Jake’s manager, the fans. It wasn’t interrupted, it wasn’t rushed, everyone there made it possible,” she says. “I’m still amazed. I can’t believe we pulled it off.”

Tiffany spoke with Jake after the concert to thank him, and instead, she says, he thanked her for coordinating the call. “It blessed my heart to talk to her,” Tiffany reports Jake told her.

“Jake is just such a special person,” Tiffany adds.

Oh, and Shelly also got her concert call. Tiffany kept her on the phone for the entire show.

Jake Owen Supporting Special Fan During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Members of the Jake Owen fan club have been rallying around one of their own this month as she battles breast cancer, and Jake has joined the effort by turning the opening page of his website pink with a link to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The fan, Shelly from Oz, lives in Australia and has never met her fan club family, nor has she even seem Jake in concert, but she's been a fan for years, since seeing his video "Starting With Me." She opened up about her battle with breast cancer this month when she posted a blog about her battle on the fan club site.

Since her announcement, fans have been working behind the scenes to get the site changed to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is October, and to give moral support to their sister Down Under. The pink site went live this week.

Led by fan club members Jaime and Erin, fans are also tweeting requests for good thoughts and prayers, several have called her to check in, and they're also planning a few other surprises to help keep her spirits up.

Fan club members have also organized a Virtual Pink Ribbon Breakfast to raise money for the Australian National Breast Cancer Foundation. You can join at http://www.breastcancerfundraising.org.au/TeamPage.aspx?teamID=40340&LangPref=en-CA

Please keep Shelly from Oz in your thoughts, and congratulations to Jake and his fan club members for their thoughtfulness support!

Eric Church Reinjures His Foot, Postpones Show, But Still Wows the Crowd in Richmond

Eric Church Reinjures His Foot, Postpones Show, But Still Wows the Crowd in Richmond

Eric Church has postponed his Myrtle Beach set for Friday, Oct. 16, after reinjuring his foot Wednesday during a show in Charlotte. Eric did play his Thursday night in Richmond, performing from a chair.

He apologized to fans at the Richmond show for sitting during the performance, and joked that the injury was Jack Daniels-related. He did a full set, hopping on one foot occasionally, and even changed the lyrics in his song “These Boots” to reflect the current injury.

The crowd was appreciative of his efforts and agreed that even from a chair, Eric rocked the house and put on a great performance.

An official statement in on www.ericchurch.com

Eric initially injured his foot in August. See http://findingconor.typepad.com/music/2009/09/ec-cancel.html for more information.

See http://findingconor.typepad.com/photos/eric_richmond/index.html for pictures from the Richmond show.

Fans Take to Twitter to Promote Their Favorite Country Acts

Country music fans are a resourceful and dedicated group and they've taken to Twitter like a fish to water, starting Twitter accounts to help support the music they love. Every #musicmonday (a tag used by Twitter users to promote their favorite music on Mondays) and #followfriday (posts encouraging you to follow specific Twitter accounts on Friday) brings a slew of fan Twitters. Call it democracy in action or a publicist's dream/nightmare, the fans are getting the word out for the musicians they love!

These accounts are not official or affiliated with the artist or the label. Some do get the objects of their affection to follow them and help promote their account. Blake Shelton follows his fan account http://twitter.com/BSersTweet, and every time he mentions it the account gets more followers. Same for http://twitter.com/cartertwinsorg; Zach Carter follows the account and mentions it regularly.

Ronna has run http://twitter.com/DBCongress for two years and does so with blessing of Dierks Bentley, who supports the account with an occasional tweet, provides signed merchandise for give-aways, and often acknowledges her work to other fans.

Jake Owen has yet to follow his fan account, http://twitter.com/JakeOwenFans, but the organizers are hoping for his blessing so the account will take off. Same with the Luke Bryan fan account http://twitter.com/xweloveLB. Getting a "follow" from the artist and the occasional mention is key to spreading the word and getting more followers, who in turn help promote the artist. It's really a win-win for everyone involved.

Luke Bryan fan Gabs says she started her fan Twitter to tell the world about her favorite artist and share her love of country music, something she doesn't get to do very often in Connecticut, which isn't know as a country music Mecca. "I wanted to get in touch with some other Luke fans. And I wanted to show Luke how much I and the followers of http://twitter.com/xweloveLB appreciate him and his music."

The fan Twitter accounts have been known to scoop the artists' official Tweets, fan club sites and label announcements with news, reviews, gossip and tour dates. http://twitter.com/BSersTweet had news about the new Blake Shelton video before anyone -- organizers found a blog post from an actress who worked on the video.

These Fan Twitters also take very seriously their job of reminding fans to vote in online polls, call radio stations, support artists on message boards, watch television appearances, etc.

Right now http://twitter.com/JakeOwenFans is campaigning to get CMT to put Jake Owen's "8 Second Ride" video back on its weekly countdown poll. And http://twitter.com/BSersTweet is promoting the new Blake Shelton single "Hillbilly Bone" by sending messages to radio stations and the country music press, and providing its Twitter followers with information on how to do the same.

Another particularly active fan Twitter account is http://twitter.com/TheChurchChoir, which gives its followers daily instructions on how to promote Eric Church.

New acts also have their Twitter fans. New on Twitter is the Whitney Duncan fan account http://twitter.com/whitduncanfans; and the Mallary Hope fan account http://twitter.com/mallarysfans. Mallary fan Halley said she started the account to spread the word: “She has such an amazing voice that I wanted to help her make it big.”

Fan accounts are just one of the many ways Twitter is changing the way fans and artists interact. Good luck to all the fan Twitters!

Vicky Dobbin is a country music lover in Falls Church, VA. Read her country music blog at www.lovemycountrymusic.com and follow her at http://twitter.com/vdobbin.

Blake Shelton's "Hillbilly Bone" Goes for the Funny Bone

Update: Everyone can now listen to "Hillbilly Bone" online at BlakeShelton.com (No fan club membership required).

You can't help but hollerin' yee-haw! Blake Shelton's new single "Hillbilly Bone" is the perfect complement to the new @BlakeShelton we've all come to know (and maybe/maybe not love?) since he discovered Twitter: Redneck humor and pride with a some Bubba, guns and girls tossed in with a catchy tune on top. There's even a guest star--Trace Adkins.

We all got a hillbilly bone down deep inside
No matter where you're from you just can't hide it ...
Ain't nothing wrong, just getting on your Hillbilly Bone

"Hillbilly Bone" is a funnier, bouncier, funkier version of "Song About Me" and Trace Adkins's vocal support only reinforces that sense. It's certainly honky-tonk friendly and fun, and the video is bound to be a hoot.

But is country radio going to embrace yet another song about hillbilly/redneck/small town pride? They certainly love to talk about Blake and Twitter, so I think they will get the joke and play this song for the sheer fun of it.

BSers -- aka Blake Shelton fan club members -- got a special sneak preview of the song Monday morning when "Hillbilly Bone" was posted on BlakeShelton.com just after midnight. And yes, they were there waiting for it. BSers are one dedicated group!

"Hillbilly Bone" will be released to radio on on Nov. 2 and the video will debut on CMT and GAC on Nov. 3.

Jake Owen Cuts His Hair! And the women are sad ...

It's sad but true. Sexy country singer Jake Owen -- @jakeofficial to his Twitter followers -- has cut his hair. And the women, particularly those in the fan club who regularly discuss his sexy mane, are sad.

Photographic evidence of the scissors attack was posted on Twitter by a fan who snapped the shorn "8 Second Ride" singer performing at a private radio station event in Texas on Thursday.

The consensus of fans: It will grow back. Please say it will grow back.

No word from Jake as to why, and he should probably keep the who to himself, less the fans declare a fatwa on the butcher, I mean barber.

He still has that great smile, though. And, oh yeah, he sure can sing!

A Strong, Warm Voice Gets Blake Wise a Well-Deserved Shot

Don’t let Blake Wise’s Wrangler model good looks (yes, he modeled for Wrangler) fool you—he ain’t just another country pretty boy. One listen to his song “The Stayin’ Kind” is enough to prove that this boy can sing.

The song is a great showcase for his strong, warm voice, particularly the up-tempo chorus and slow, sexy bridge. I could definitely hear “The Stayin’ Kind” on country radio.

Another standout on Wise’s self-titled, independent release is “My Own Questionnaire,” which, lyrically, could be a prequel to that other Blake’s “She Wouldn’t Be Gone.” Wise’s delivery really brings out the clever tale of a man’s realization that he’s not the husband he ought to be.

The fun “I Got No Regrets” could be a Kenny Chesney song with its island feel and bouncy vibe; and the not so fun “Tell Me I’m Right,” an almost stalker-like ballad that conveys paranoia, anger and sadness, is chilling. Together they show that Wise can really handle a diverse set of songs.

Wise’s voice could still use a little seasoning and maybe a great producer to smooth things out, particularly on the tracks “Destination Highway,” a fun road song that is a bit too high and whiny; and “They Don’t Know You,” which sounds like someone trying to sound like Tim McGraw. It’s not a bad impression, but it doesn’t sound genuine.

But overall, listening to the songs at www.blakewise.com, it’s clear that Blake Wise has a great future ahead of him in Nashville and on country radio. And Nashville obviously agrees. Just this week he was signed to a record and publishing deal on Broken Bow Records (home of Jason Aldean and Dean Brody) and Magic Mustang Music.

Does Blake Shelton Have a "Hillbilly Bone" to Pick With Trace Adkins?

The web has been abuzz with speculation over Blake Shelton's next single, and it looks like it won't be a song from his current CD but a new duet with Trace Adkins called "Hillbilly Bone."

Blake added fuel to the fire this week, posting this clue on Twitter: "I'm gonig to kick the ... door down with this next one!!! Oh and I'm bringing a friend to help... And he can damn sure kick one down...."

Last week actor Sean Dennison posted to his Twitter account: "Also booked socialite role in Blake Shelton/Trace Adkins music vid 'Hillbilly Bone' films wed."

And apparently at least on DJ has heard the new track. Blake Shelton fan Pearl posted the following to the Blake Shelton Fan club site: "The DJ on my radio station Twittered some possible Blake news: DJ Tony Thomas: Mega-songwriter Craig Wiseman tweeted he's psyched about a new @blakeshelton cut called Hillbilly Bone!"

Dedicated BSer Pearl kept digging and later posted the following: "So, I went back to look at Craig Wiseman's original tweet: 'Craig Wiseman - MAN! I heard a cut today- Blake Shelton - HILLBILLY BONE!!!! DUDE it makes me proud to be doing this.....'"

Blake has been telling his Twitter followers about trips to Dallas to record but hasn't really shares many details beyond lamenting the fact that he's not allowed to drink while he's recording.

Jessica Harp also mentioned this summer that she had recorded vocals for a Blake Shelton song but no confirmation if she's part of this song.

Of course this could all be Blake BSing us all, so we'll just have to keep checking Twitter for details.

Blake Shelton Admits His Twitter Addiction

Is Blake Shelton addicted to Twitter? Yep! And he freely admits it. "Since I started tweeting I don't have as much time on my hands because any time I get a free moment I have all these random thoughts I want to share with the country," Blake Shelton recently explained to Baltimore DJ Laurie DeYoung. 

He didn't mention his hilarious Twitter war with PETA (see Blake vs PETA

, Round 2) but did talk about how much he enjoys sharing his sometimes odd sense of humor with his almost 50,000 followers.

"I love it. I don't mind, I'll sit right here and tell you right now I think it's really fun to get on there on Twitter and write. People are shocked by the things I say on there. Even last night some guy got on and there and said there's no way this can really be the real Blake Shelton."

He often mocks or even insults his followers, all in good ol' boy fun, of course. "I follow a lot of people. That's mostly all I do is respond to people. I normally throw out like one thought first thing in the morning and the rest of the day I spend explaining why I said that."

Twitter is so much a part of this life, he's thinking about incorporating it into a rather unique performance for his upcoming show at the Great Fredrick Fair: "I think just for something different I'm going to walk out on stage without a band or a guitar and just Twitter, just a Twitter performance. As I do I'll say I am now going to write this response and then type it in, and then wait for applause. It if doesn't work in the next 10 minutes or so, then I'll probably have the band come out and I

'll play some songs." We think he's joking--We'll see! You can never tell with Blake.

And because no one can interview Blake without asking about Miranda (and vice versa), we also got this tidbit about wedding talk with his long-time girlfriend: "I think about ways I can avoid that subject … For the most part I think we're miserable enough as it is together so why take it to the next step and really become miserable."

Gotta love that B.S! No wonder he's Mr. Twitter!

    * Listen to the entire interview at http://lauriedeyoung.com/main.html

Thanks to Pearl (pictured with Blake, right) for the great photos!

Will the Next Big Rascal Flatts Single Be a Carter Twins Song?

Carter Twin Zach shared a little secret with fans Saturday night -- the brothers' song "That's a Good Thing" is being considered by Rascal Flatts for the country mega group's next CD. "It would be really cool to be 19 years old and have a song we wrote recorded by Rascal Flatts," Zach told the audience.

• See more photos from the Sept. 19 Carter Twins Show

Josh Carter even gave the sound check audience a little snippet of what he thinks the song will sound like when it's recorded by Rascal Flatts, doing an impression of Flatt's lead singer Gary LeVox. And it sounded great! The up-tempo number would definitely fit right in on a Rascal Flatts CD. Let's hope it all works out.

The brothers' played their hearts out for the small but enthusiastic audience Saturday night. The almost 90-minute set included fan favorites "Photo Booth," "So What" and my newest favorite, "Amy Just Stay." And is it possible that "Heart Like Memphis" is even more beautiful when it's performed live? It's really one of my favorite country songs and Saturday's performance just made me love it more.

The guys also played some interesting covers that made the most of their excellent harmonies. "My Maria" (which, by the way, Zach, is not just a Brooks and Dunn song, but was a hit for B.W. Stevenson before you were born!) worked particularly well. They should put that one on their CD, which has been promised for early next year.

• (Update: Carter Twins part ways with label; bright future ahead! http://bit.ly/ct-future)

Also really good was the Collective Soul cover "Shine," which Zach dedicated to "the parents in the room or those of you who are a little older." Didn't need to be reminded that the boys are young enough to be my sons but I'm sure he didn't mean to make me feel old!

The only misstep of the set was their version of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion," which only sounded good on that famous chorus but just didn't work for any other part of the song. Their other pop/rock covers where great, including Matchbox 20's "3 A.M" and Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'."

I do have to ask what the heck these talented brothers were doing playing at this out-of-the-way venue -- Dave-Bob's BBQ in Winchester, Virginia. Inconveniently located just off I-81 on the way from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, not too far from West Virgina and not really close to anywhere, the little BBQ joint draws some interesting national acts. Trent Tomlinson played there in August; Heidi Newfield is next on October 2 and then Emily West and Sarah Buxton are a double bill later in October. I guess this is where you pay your dues on the way up?

I was happy to make the 90-minute trek from my suburban Washington, DC., home to see these talents brothers, who I first met last June in Nashville at a private CMT show during CMA fest. I really believe that the Carter Twins are the future of country music. My 4-year-old son, Conor, who was thrilled to get his photo taken with Zach, agrees, and, like his mommy, will be a Carter Twins fan for life.

Craig Morgan's Alaskan Hunt Update: Bear Hunt Photo Posted!

9/14/09 Update: Craig was definitely hunting for bear, and he bagged a big one! Click here to see the photo. Warning: It is an ex-bear and the photo is not for the squeamish.

Craig Morgan got a bit of a scare at the end of his recent week-long vacation in Alaska, and it had nothing to do with the bear he was hunting.

The "God Must Really Love Me" singer was visiting the Wrangell-Petersburg Census Area County, Alaska, with family and friends and posted updates on Twitter about the great time he was having. (See Craig’s video at http://twitvid.com/F07AE)

But the trip home got a little scary.

"Just left Seattle had to turn around and make an emergency landing I'm back," Morgan posted early Friday night.

The singer was scheduled to perform Saturday in Tennessee, so being stuck in Seattle could have left a lot of disappointed fans if he couldn’t get a plane home.

But the crisis was averted and Craig found a very late plane to Dallas that eventually got him to Nashville Saturday morning and in time for the show.

Craig’s Tour Manager updated fans via Twitter Saturday morning: “For the ones who were wondering, Craig made it home this morning. He got a big bear. I'm sure you'll see it soon. :)”

Craig has promised to post video from his bear hunt on his Twitter account: http://twitter.com/cmorganmusic. No word on if he got any video from his scary flight.

• Read the review "Craig Morgan Connects With the Everyman in Fredericksburg, VA"

Is Eric Church Ailing? M&Gs Canceled

• 9/14/09 Update: Label confirms Eric's injury. Read more here.

Chatter on the Eric Church Fan Club site is that he's had to cancel several Meet & Greets because he fractured his foot and is under doctor's orders to limit his movement as much as possible.

There's no official announcement on the EricChurch.com website and we have had no announcement of canceled shows. However, several fan club members say they've received emails letting them know that their previously confirmed Meet & Greets have been canceled because of Eric's injury, and there's plenty of chatter in the Fan Club Forum.

We wish Eric a speedy recovery and hope he's literally back on his feet soon. (And by soon, we mean in time for the Oct. 15 show we're going to in Richmond, VA!)

If anyone gets more info, please let us know!

• See photos from Eric Church at The Grand, Wilmington, DE

Blake vs. PETA, Round 2!

Hold your (exploited New York City carriage pulling) horses! Looks like the Blake Shelton vs. PETA war on Twitter is back on, and PETA may have called in more troops. After announcing Thursday that PETA had blocked him from getting their updates, Blake told his Twitter followers Friday that the war was back on:

blakeshelton: Man who'd of thought a little old drunken country singer could cause such a stir in the tree huggin world... Ha! I love this country.....

And indeed, the barbs began to fly again immediately between Blake and @officialpeta, including the following:

officialpeta: PETA doesn't focus on hunting cuz other orgs already do. (via @officialpeta)
blakeshelton: Not to mention being too chicken shit! I'M BACK!!!......

Someone has also created a Twitter account just to battle Blake on animal rights issues, called PETAagainstBS. The account uses a photo of Blake with a red X over his face as its Twitter profile photo and follows only one person -- Blake, of course.

PETAagainstBS: YOU SHOULD NOT EAT MEAT, but rumore is thats the way you swing
blakeshelton: YOU shouldn't reproduce... Rumor is you probably can't..

Blake's fans are looking forward to the fur flying again -- and with hunting season in Oklahoma starting soon, probably pictures that PETA is definitely not going to approve of. Watch out sea kittens (fish) and Bambi -- Blake is gunning for you!

See previous article Blake Shelton Wins Twitter War vs. PETA

Blake Shelton fan Pearl gave Blake this hat at a recent show:

 

Blake Shelton Wins Twitter War vs PETA

UPDATE: Looks like PETA didn't like being told they blinked! They've unblocked Blake! The battle continues! Read more here.

Blake Shelton fans, who have been enjoying the singer/avid hunter's hilarious Twitter feud with animal rights group PETA for several weeks now, got sad news today: @officialpeta (the group's Twitter account) has blocked Blake, which means he can no longer get their messages to mock. It appears that in the Blake vs. PETA showdown, PETA blinked.

He announced the news Thuesday, on Twitter, of course:

blakeshelton: Well... I think we all knew this day would come.... You may want set down... I've been blocked by PETA!!!!!

Blake started mocking the group's pro-vegan, anti-fur messages in July, with such comments as:

officialpeta: Only animals should wear fur! 
blakeshelton: Yeah, but they hide all the meat under there!!!! Dipshit.....

officialpeta: That's right, there's nothing funny about BBQing cats:
blakeshelton: Ha! Ha! Sorry but when you say it like that it is damn funny! Ha!

officialpeta: Meat is Murder!
blakeshelton: Yes, delicious murder.... 

officialpeta: Victory! Aussie designer Alannah Hill gives bunnies a break
blakeshelton: Awesome! Is she just cutting off the parts she needs?!!!..

And the group even seemed to encourage his interest, at first.

officialpeta: Hey we love your interest!
blakeshelton: Thanks! I do try to take care of animals... I always make sure there cooked just right!!! 

However, it seems they decided to stop beating a dead horse (sorry, I couldn't help the anti-PC idiom!) and give up on trying to convert or at least educate Blake, who proudly displays animal heads on his walls and tweets about lookng forward to hunting season.

But don't worry, Blake rant fans, it appears he has two new targets: peta2 and environmental group Greenpeace. Let the next tweet battle begin!

blakeshelton: Hello peta2 .... Allow me to introduce myself... My name is Blake Shelton.. This could be the begining of a beautiful relationship!!!

Greenpeace: We are all bearing witness to climate change. Climate impacts from around the world
blakeshelton: I think they call it seasons....

Below are a few of Shelton's funnier messages to and about PETA. (Be warned, bad language and rude photos are plentiful!). 

blakeshelton: Anything to save a life, wanna take the 30-day veg-pledge? We dare you! (via @officialpeta) Ok! Only if you try my 30 minute chicken choke!!

blakeshelton: What’s worse than the Double Down Chicken Sandwich? (via @officialpeta) The fact that you're fighting for an animal that eats it's own shit!

blakeshelton: Down with the Double Deadly Carcass Burger! (via @officialpeta) Yes!! And up with the triple stacker!! 

blakeshelton: In the mood for some souper news?(via @officialpeta) Did y'all finally decide to shut the F&CK up?!!!! That IS super!!!! 

blakeshelton: Those poor chickens need someone to speak for them (via @officialpeta) Guess that's where a cock like you comes in...

blakeshelton: Hey #McCruelty, choke on this bird: (via @officialpeta) Hey PETA, choke on this bird... http://yfrog.com/0tg6lj 

blakeshelton: ILUVTOFU, what vegan doesn’t? (via @officialpeta) Got to admit it.. That's pretty funny stuff. Now back to my McNuggets.. 

blakeshelton: ILUVTOFU, what vegan doesn’t? http://ow.ly/kKDE (via @officialpeta) Does this really say "I luv to f u"?

blakeshelton: Animal testing breaks hearts! (via @officialpeta) Yeah! And bow hunting breaks there lungs!!! Goodmorning dipshits.....

blakeshelton: In US military trauma training live pigs r shot, stabbed & burned! (via @officialpeta) Awesome!!! Where do I sign up?!!!!

blakeshelton: Here are our top 10 reasons to keep pork off your fork! (via @officialpeta) 10 reasons I can't stand y'all... Starts and ends with dipshits 

blakeshelton: Fish are our friends not our food. Sea Kittens have feelings too(via @officialpeta) Now I have a craving for fried catfish.... Dipshits.. 

blakeshelton: Thanks for spreading the message! (via @officialpeta) No problem!!! I'll always be proud to tell people what dipshits y'all are......

blakeshelton: Hey #McCruelty, choke on this bird: (via @officialpeta) Hey PETA, choke on this bird... http://yfrog.com/0tg6lj

blakeshelton:  Hey PETA.... I took this picture just for you!!! http://yfrog.com/ekkwhj

blakeshelton: Dear PETA.. Picking on our U.S. Military now? You've reached a new level of dipshitness!.. Go back to fast food and sex with gerbels...

blakeshelton: Hey PETA, I call this picture "adding insult to injury".... Enjoy! http://yfrog.com/9e83bcj 

Jake Owen Lets Fans Handle His Award

Jake Owen won his ACM Award for Best New Male Vocalist back in March but didn't actually gets the trophy until he returned home from a long stint on the road last week.

He was so excited to finally get his hands on the fan-voted statuette that he posted a picture of him holding it on Twitter, and then promised to share the honor with his fans who made it possible.

He did just that Saturday night at his show in rural Clarke County, Virginia, his first headlining show his getting the award delivered to him. He showed off the statuette from stage during his show and then invited fans to come by the merchandise table after his set to pose for pictures with him and it.

More than 100 fans (including me) took advantage of the offer, and the photos are posted on his new website, http://jakeowen.net under MEDIA.

My lousy photos are here: http://findingconor.typepad.com/photos/jake_fair1/

--

Follow me!
http://twitter.com/vdobbin

Read my blog!
www.lovemycountrymusic.com

Carter Twins Debut New Single

Josh and Zach Carter held a private and very exclusive acoustic show at CMT Studios today for 30 fans -- who got invited by following the boys on Twitter. They debuted their new song "I'm Going" to the very excited crowd of mostly teen girls, did several live songs, then played songs form their CD. (It was fun watching them be a bit uncomfortable listening to the recording of themselves and they joked about how odd it felt.)

Josh and Zack had a Q&A at the end of their set, and told fans that their dream tour partners would be Keith Urban or Carrie Underwood, The boys really hit it off with Carrie, who they played softball with last night at the City of Hope Celebrity Softball game.

I'm Going; http://twitpic.com/75499