Today's country tidbits...

Just how popular is Taylor Swift? She's playing her first stadium show next June in Massachussetts, and the tickets went on sale last Saturday. The show sold out in 20 minutes. That's about 70,000 people who bought tickets that fast. Kellie Pickler and Gloriana will again share the stage with Taylor.

Lady Antebellum is performing the National Anthem this Sunday at the Titans/Rams game. Then they'll do it again at the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day in New Orleans, when the University of Florida and the University of Cincinnati slug it out.

The Country Thunder lineup has been announced, and it stars Kenny Chesney. Tickets are available now for the July event in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Also on the bill: Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Craig Morgan, Jo Dee Messina, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Randy Houser, David Nail, Gloriana and loads more great country artists.

Rascal Flatts is playing the Grand Ole Opry this Friday night. Since it's winter weather, the Opry is originating from the Ryman Auditorium, making the shows extra-special. And they're going on tour in 2010 with Darius Rucker. If you have an AT&T Universal Card, you can buy tickets today, before they go on sale to the public.

Remember I told you that Kellie Pickler was going to be part of a large donation to Nashville-area schools at the show she hosted last night? Well, the check was, indeed, quite large: over a million dollars was donated by the Country Music Association so that kids could continue to have music education in their schools. All proceeds from the CMA Music Festival go to this cause, so it was a very good year at the CMA Fest in June!

The Carrie Underwood special on Monday night boosted Fox to #2 on the night, behind CBS. Catch her latest song, "Temporary Home" as it was sung live on the show. She also performed her tribute to her Mom, "Mama Don't Worry," and sang with Dolly Parton.

Jason Michael Carroll loves to perform so much that he told The Tennessean, "They pay us to bring our gear into town and set it up and tear it down. We play for free." He's got a few more stops to make before heading home for Christmas. With four kids, you know there's a lot of shopping and wrapping to do!

Phil Vassar wants to wish you Merry Christmas with music. He's offering a free download of five acoustic Christmas songs, one which features his daughter, Haley. By the way, his new cd, "Traveling Circus," is available next Tuesday.