Six years ago today, Carrie Underwood was crowned the American Idol. Tonight, either Lauren Alaina or Scotty McCreery will find out how Carrie felt, as one of them will win this year's American Idol. Carrie's advice for them? “I have people ask me, ‘How did you do it?’ Well, I tried out for a reality television show. I tried a different route than a lot of people go, because I didn’t know how to do it. I didn’t have anybody giving me advice. But I say, you know—do what you do, and do what you love. And take your opportunities where they come. When those doors open, don’t be afraid to walk through them.” Last night, Scottie performed Montgomery Gentry's "Gone," George Strait's "Check Yes or No" and the song that'll be his single if he wins, "I Love You This Big." Lauren Alaina sang Carrie Underwood's "Flat on the Floor," Pam Tillis' "Maybe it was Memphis" and her single, "Like My Mother Does." The live, two-hour American Idol finale begins at 8 Eastern tonight on Fox.
Tim McGraw has filed a counter-suit against Curb Records, his label of many years. They filed suit against him earlier this month, claiming that he turned in his last album too soon after the last one, making it not "topical and new." Tim's suit calls for payment for the album he's given them, reimbursement for recording expenses, unspecified damages and a jury trial. He's also asking to be "free to begin recording for himself or any other party as of July 23, 2011." Meanwhile, the master recordings for "Emotional Traffic" are caught in the middle of this mess.
Montgomery Gentry is working on their first new music in three years. Troy is psyched about it: “We’re actually finishing up uh…an album this week. A lot of it I think is a lot of old school Montgomery Gentry. You know, I haven’t been this excited about a complete project since the My Town record so I’m really excited to get it out there for everybody to hear.” And how did he feel about hearing Scottie McCreery sing "Gone" on American Idol last night? “My phone was blowing up from text messages of people saying, ‘Hey Scotty the guy on American Idol is singing your song Gone right now on TV, you got to check it out.’ I got to catch just the last tail end of it but what I heard that he did, he did a really good job performing that song.”
Taylor Swift has donated some "execess baggage" to DoSomething.org, a group that encourages teens to make a difference in their communities. Celebrities including Donald Trump and Weird Al Yankovic have also donated autographed items. Taylor gave an autographed acoustic guitar.
Dierks Bentley raised nearly $150,000 for the local Nationwide Children's Hospital during his Columbus, Ohio Miles and Music For Kids charity motorcycle ride and concert on Sunday. About a thousand bikers rode, and another four thousand concert attendees showed up for the after-party. More Miles and Music for Kids events are planned this year.
Oh, it's tough to be Zac Brown, having to do a benefit ride for Camp Southern Ground. It was a Harley-fest around Atlanta.
Randy Travis and Kenny Chesney did a duet of "He Walked on Water" for Randy's upcoming duets project. It turned out so well that Randy wants us all to have it for free! The cd, "Anniversary Celebration" is out on June 7th.
Didja miss Brad Paisley and Alabama on Good Morning America yesterday morning? Here you go...
And in case you missed it on tv last night, here's a sneak-peek at Taylor Swift's new video, "The Story of Us."
Congratulations to Eric Church, whose "Carolina" cd has been certified gold.
Congratulations to Rascal Flatts, who have their 13th career #1 song with "I Won't Let Go."
Happy birthday to Jessi Colter, who is 68 and Tom T. Hall, who turns 75 today. And 20 years ago today, Randy Travis married Lib Hatcher. They are in the process of divorcing now.
Catch Brad Paisley on "The View" today on ABC.
The tweet of the day is from Jake Owen: "Sittin' on the houseboat. Quiet glass like lake.. Cicadas are singin. Video for Barefoot Blue Jean today. Friends here. Life is awesome"
