Photo:  Blue Chair Rum

Kenny Chesney will be throwing launch parties and tastings to celebrate his Blue Chair Bay Rum at 18 tour stops on his No Shoes Nation tour.  The events will be open to concert attendees who are 21 and older.  The parties will feature samples of Blue Chair Bay Rum’s White, Coconut and Coconut Spiced flavors in signature cocktails.  Atlanta is one of the cities to get the event.  Stay tuned for details!!!

Photo:  MCA Records

George Strait releases the 40^th studio album of his career today and it’s called  Love Is Everything.  Love Is Everything includes his latest hit “Give It All We’ve Got Tonight” – and if it hits #1…it’ll be the 60^th #1 of his career.

Photo:  FOX

Taylor Swift stars as “Elaine” on tonight’s season finale of New Girl.  Check her out tonight at 9 PM on FOX.

Photo:  Capitol Records Nashville

Keith Urban will perform his new song “Little Bit of Everything” Thursday on the Season 12 finale of American Idol.  After Idol wraps this week, he’ll return to the studio to continue recording his new album.

Photo:  Capitol Records Nashville

Dierks Bentley is revealing details about his upcoming album.  He’s calling it Riser…and it’s due in stores this fall.  Dierks says it’s the most personal album to date.  It was written and recorded in the year following his father’s death.  The album got its title from “I’m A Riser” – a song about resilience and determination.

Photo:  CMT

Luke Bryan, Taylor Swift, Hunter Hayes, Little Big Town and the Pistol Annies are the first group of artists announced to perform on the CMT Music Awards on June 5^th in Nashville.  The show will be hosted by Jason Aldean and Kristen Bell and fan voting is underway now.  Pick your favorites by clicking the pic above...

Randy Houser’s music video for his #1 hit “How Country Feels” left us wondering “What happens next?”.  With the release of his new music video for “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight”, we get to see what happens after the star of both videos comes back to reality.  See both videos above!

Photo:  Kree Harrison, Kasey Musgraves, Sarah Buxton and Kate York - via Instagram / SpaceyKacey

If you tuned in to American Idol last week, chances are you saw Kacey Musgraves in the audience!  She was there supporting her best friend and Top 3 contestant, Kree Harrison.  Kacey loves that millions now have a chance to hear what she has known about Kree for years – and that’s the fact that the girl CAN SING!!!  Kree competes against Candice Glover this week on American Idol’s two night season finale.  Check it out Wednesday and Thursday nights on FOX.

Photos:  Sony Music Nashville

Chris Young helped Brad Paisley kick off his Beat This Summer Tour last week – and he can already tell – it’s going to be a ton of fun!   The Beat This Summer Tour makes a stop in Atlanta June 23^rd.  Grab your tickets by clicking the picture above!

 Photo:  maxim.com

Taylor Swift outranks Julianne Hough and Kellie Pickler on Maxim’s 2013 Hot 100 list, which counts down the world’s sexiest women – as chosen my Maxim readers.  The magazine calls Taylor (who comes in at lucky #13) “the supermodel of country music”.  Julianne is ranked at #40…while Kellie is 96.

Photo:  Capitol Records Nashville

Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott still has a couple of months to go before she can officially call herself a mom, but she's taking the opportunity to celebrate Mother's Day this weekend.

She tells us: "I'll claim Mother's Day this year, even though she's technically not here yet. I feel her everyday (laughs), but, yeah, it's definitely special. I've never really felt the way that I feel now about my own mom, about becoming a mom myself, like knowing what my mom went through to get me and my little sister here and then raising us and just what a commitment and a challenge, but how it's the most rewarding thing in the world. Even though my daughter isn't here yet I'm still so overjoyed and honored to be given this opportunity to be able to bring her into the world."

Hillary and her husband, drummer Chris Tyrrell, anticipate the arrival of their baby girl in July.

Photo:  Disney

As the father of three kids, Darius Rucker says the best thing he can give his wife on Mother's Day is his time . . . and to take the kids off her hands for a little while.  "I think the best Mother's Day gift my wife would say I've given her is to let her not have to deal with her kids. (laughs) But, I'm not really a good gift-giver. I'm not gonna lie. And my wife and I have a deal that if you want it, just get it, so when it's time to buy gifts, it's hard to do. But, I think my time is the best thing I can give to my family, because I'm on the road so much. So, that's what I try to do."

Photo:  Tony Phipps

Carrie Underwood tells us that she is most grateful to her mother for the example she has set and the overall life she provided.  "I think the most important thing that I've learned from my mom and both my parents is just how to be a good person. They worked really hard making sure that me and my sisters had a really good life and had all the opportunities in the world and we grew up right, so I think the best thing I can do is pass that on to my kids someday, and it's nice to have her around too."

Photo:  Rick Diamond / Getty Images North America

Karen Fairchild cannot wait to celebrate Mother’s Day with her little man – Elijah. The Little Big Town member feels like he is the best gift she has ever received.  “There isn’t anything that means more to me than sitting on the bench and eating a grilled cheese sandwich with this little guy who calls me Mama. There isn’t anything better than that. He’s just a little miracle. I went from dreaming about him to eating grilled cheese sandwiches and ketchup with him, and I could never have dreamed this up – how good it could be, and it just gets better every day.”

Photo:  WKRN

Kenny Chesney has managed to dominate the country music world in more ways than one. Luckily he has had words of wisdom from his mom, to guide Kenny throughout his career.  “I think one of the most important lessons that I’ve learned from my mom is just, no matter what life throws at you, is just to take a step back and a deep breath and just still take life as it comes. She’s been through a lot in her life. And she’s handled it. And she’s come through it, I believe, with a lot of grace…and a lot of style. And I’ve learned a lot from that.”

Photo:  Sony Music Nashville

Kenny Chesney’s latest album, Life On A Rock, has struck a chord with his fans.  It debuted as the #1 album on the Billboard country music charts – and the Top 200 Albums chart!  Kenny managed to sell over 150,000 copies…pretty impressive considering he never intended for us to even hear these songs.

Keith Urban is teasing us with a clip of his new single in his latest Urban Chat video.  Check it out right now !!!

Photo:  Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Luke Bryan will perform on The Late Show with David Letterman this Monday night.  Yesterday Luke tweeted a “Save the Date” request for 8-13-13.  Looks like you can count on that being the date for the release of his new album.

Photo:  Kenny Jackson / Anthem Pictures

Their aptly-titled debut album Here’s to the Good Times, has clearly become a reality for Florida Georgia Line.  Their latest song, “Get Your Shine On” just became their second consecutive #1 hit.

Photo:  Royce De Grie / Getty Images

If you haven’t heard already – Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum is having a baby girl!  She didn’t reveal her name yet…and chances are – she won’t – until the baby arrives at the end of July.

Photo:  Judy Eddy / WENN

Lauren Alaina is going back to where it all started as she debuts her new song, “Barefoot and Buckwild” on American Idol tonight.  Two seasons ago, she was in the same position as one of the Top 3 remaining contestants.  See who will compete in the American Idol Season finale next week when American Idol airs tonight at 8 PM on FOX.

Photo:  Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

If you’ve ever wanted to see Luke Bryan shake it on the silver screen…you’re in luck.  He admits that one day he’d like to pursue an acting career.  Infact…he hopes to achieve several career goals as long as his star continues to rise.  While he doesn't think politics are in his future - Luke says that he and his wife really enjoy doing non-profit work.

Photo:  Focus Flicks

As Kip Moore continues to headline more shows…his stage set gets bigger and bigger.  It’s that live show that Kip has become most proud of over the past year.  Kip plays The Tabernacle in Atlanta next Friday.  For more info, click the pic of Kip above... 

Photo:  Jason Merritt / Getty Images                  Photo:  Michael Becker / FOX

The Band Perry will perform with Top 5 finalist Janelle Arthur during one of the nights of the two-night season finale of American Idol.  American Idol’s season finale will be held next week.

Photo:  USATSI

Carrie Underwood is taking over Sunday Night Football duties for Faith Hill.  The song won’t change.  She’ll perform “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” beginning Sunday, September 8^th before the matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.  Carrie was the only person approached for the job – and she’s only the third person to sing the introduction.  Faith sang the track from 2007 to 2012.  Pop artist Pink performed it in 2006.

Photo:  Capitol Records Nashville

Little Bit Town celebrated their second consecutive Number One hit “Tornado” with a party in Nashvillethis week.  For the group’s Karen Fairchild…it’s hard to put the accomplishment into words!  But one thing is for sure - they'd love to have a THIRD Number One!!! 

Photo:  ABC / Adam Taylor

Kellie Pickler made it through another week of Dancing With The Stars.  She and her partner Derek Hough advanced to the semi finals last night.  They dance again Monday night on ABC.

Photo:  CMT

The 2013 CMT Music Award nominations were announced yesterday and Eric Church, Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert lead the list of nominees with four each.  Florida Georgia Line picked up three nods along with Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts.  Voting for the CMT Music Awards is underway now and continues through June 2^nd at midnight.  The 2013 CMT Music Awards airs live Wednesday, June 5^th at 8 PM and will be hosted by Kristen Bell and Jason Aldean.  See the full list of nominees below.  Vote for your favorites by clicking the logo above!

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.

Brad Paisley – “Southern Comfort Zone”

Carrie Underwood – “Blown Away”

Eric Church – “Springsteen”

Florida Georgia Line – “Cruise”

Hunter Hayes – “Wanted”

Jason Aldean – “1994”

Kenny Chesney – “Come Over”

Little Big Town – “Tornado”

Luke Bryan – “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”

Miranda Lambert – “Mama’s Broken Heart”

Taylor Swift – “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”

Tim McGraw – “One of Those Nights”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

Blake Shelton – “Sure Be Cool If You Did”

Eric Church – “Creepin’”

Hunter Hayes – “Wanted”

Jason Aldean – “Take a Little Ride”

Kenny Chesney – “Come Over”

Luke Bryan – “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

Carrie Underwood – “Two Black Cadillacs”

Faith Hill – “American Heart”

Jana Kramer – “Why Ya Wanna”

Kacey Musgraves – “Merry Go ‘Round”

Miranda Lambert – “Mama’s Broken Heart”

Taylor Swift – “Begin Again”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

Lady Antebellum – “Downtown”

Little Big Town – “Pontoon”

Pistol Annies – “Takin’ Pills”

Rascal Flatts – “Come Wake Me Up”

The Band Perry – “Better Dig Two”

Zac Brown Band – “Goodbye in Her Eyes”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

Big & Rich – “That’s Why I Pray”

Florida Georgia Line – “Cruise”

Love and Theft – “Runnin’ Out Of Air”

Thompson Square – “If I Didn’t Have You”

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist's major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)

Dustin Lynch – “Cowboys and Angels”

Florida Georgia Line – “Cruise”

Jana Kramer – “Why Ya Wanna”

Kacey Musgraves – “Merry Go ‘Round”

Kip Moore – “Beer Money”

Randy Houser – “How Country Feels”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)

Brad Paisley and Joe Walsh

“Rocky Mountain Way,” from CMT CROSSROADS: JOE WALSH & FRIENDS

Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church 

“The Only Way I Know,” from 2012 CMA Awards

Kelly Clarkson featuring Vince Gill 

“Don’t Rush,” from 2012 CMA Awards

Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw 

“Feel Like A Rockstar”

                                                  Rascal Flatts and Journey

“Changed,” from CMT CROSSROADS: JOURNEY AND RASCAL FLATTS

The Avett Brothers and Randy Travis 

“Three Wooden Crosses” from CMT CROSSROADS: THE AVETT BROTHERS AND RANDY TRAVIS

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

Dierks Bentley

“5-1-5-0” from CMT UNPLUGGED

Eric Church – “Homeboy” from 2012 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR

Luke Bryan and Ryan Tedder – “Drunk On You/Feel Again” from 2012 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR

Miranda Lambert – “Over You” from 2012 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR

Rascal Flatts and Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin’” from CMT CROSSROADS: JOURNEY AND RASCAL FLATTS

Toby Keith – “Beers Ago” from 2012 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR

Photo:  Capitol Records Nashville

Lady Antebellum’s new album, Golden, is in stores today!  The Pistol Annies do too!  Their album is called Annie Up! 

Brantley Gilbert is playing a private show for Bull listeners only.  You can’t buy tickets…but you CAN win your way in!  Just listen each morning this week at 8:45.  Or register for your chance to win by clicking the pic above...

Photo:  Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Luke Bryan is working on his next album and he’s been more than happy with the material he’s got so far.  Remember – Luke has always been the guy writing the songs that other people recorded.  And he’s recorded a lot of his own songs.  But now…he’s the guy songwriters hope will record THEIR songs!!!

Photo:  Penzoil

Tim McGraw has partnered with Penzoil for the Four Wheels To Freedom custom car giveaway.  Tim personally designed a Challenger SRT for the contest that runs now through July 31^st.  Fans can check out the car at each of his tour stops.  But you can see it now…and register to win it NOW by clicking the pic above!!!

 Who gets your vote for CMT Video of the Year???  See the nominees above - then comment below...