Today's country tidbits...

What did your favorite country stars do over the weekend?

Garth Brooks ended his retirement this past weekend with some shows in Vegas. He told the audience, "I can promise you none of you are as excited as me." The shows were laid-back and intimate, just Garth and his guitar, taking requests and answering audience questions. Trisha Yearwood joined him onstage at times, adding to the family feeling of the show. Check out this article from USA Today for more details about the weekend. One detail Garth fans are excited about - he says this is his warm-up for a planned 2014 world tour.

James Otto sang the National Anthem at the Minnesota Vikings game and celebrated as his home team went on to win.

On Saturday, Martina McBride and her family went and got their Christmas tree and decorated it, then yesterday Martina did some internet Christmas shopping. She declared it "boring" so today she's hitting the streets for some REAL shopping.

Sugarland did a show for the President and First Lady last night. "Christmas In Washington" was taped and will air Sunday night on TNT.

Chris Young played Vegas last night, but getting to the show turned out to be problematic. First his bus blew a radiator hose, then they got caught in bad traffic trying to get to the venue. Mother Nature threw an ice storm on top, so the show was pushed back an hour in order to let people get there safely. From all reports, he rocked the house, so at least the show went well.

Billy Ray Cyrus left for the middle east yesterday on a tour for the troops.

Also yesterday, Taylor Swift turned 20, sharing a birthday with Randy Owen and John Anderson.

Billboard Magazine dubbed Taylor Swift the Artist of the Year for 2009, giving her a very nice birthday present.

Catch Reba on the Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson tonight.