Taylor Swift spent four nights rocking the fans in Newark, NJ and the show even got great reviews from the New York Post. There was one kinda scary moment for Taylor, when the balcony she uses to fly over the crowd while she sings "Love Story" started swaying out of control. The flying Taylor and her balcony made an emergency landing on the stage and she finished the show with her feet on the ground.
Meanwhile, Blake Shelton rocked the world of one fan - Mandy Rolbiecki - before his performance at Country Jam USA in Wisconsin. Seven-year-old Mandy suffers from Crohn's Disease, and the Make-A-Wish foundation reached out to Blake, letting him know that her wish was to hang out with him. Blake obliged, even making sure she was on stage when he sang her favorite song, "Ol Red." How did Mandy describe the experience? "It was awesome meeting him!" she said.
Darius Rucker has been tapped to be part of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Fall Gala on October 29th in Connecticut. He'll do a tribute to Stevie Wonder and also receive the Sprit of Hope Award at the event. Proceeds go towards research and treatment for this incurable blood cancer.
The list of top-earners among American Idol alums is out for 2011, and Carrie Underwood tops it. According to Forbes, she's made $20 million so far this year. Kelly Clarkson comes in at #6 on the list with a take of $2.5 million, and Kellie Pickler is #8 with $1.8 million.
Remember Bucky Covington, the former American Idol? He was doing a show at the Iron Horse Saloon in Ormond Beach, Florida last month when the concert promoter was rushed to the hospital for a suspected heart attack. Later, the promoter called police, claiming that Bucky, his brother and sister-in-law stole a cash box with $1,500 in it from the venue. Bucky says the accusations are false, and police are still looking into the case.
Love Vince Gill? Road trip time - Vince celebrates 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on August 30th, and the show will include Martina McBride, John Anderson, Emmylou Harris and of course Amy Grant and Jenny Gill. Next year, Vince gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Congrats to Brad Paisley, who's earned gold certification for "This is Country Music," to Jason Aldean's gold "Dirt Road Anthem" and Luke Bryan's "Country Girl Shake it For Me," Kenny Chesney's "Beer in Mexico," The Band Perry's "You Lie" and Rascal Flatts "I Won't Let Go" which are all gold. Sara Evans' "A Little Bit Stronger" is platinum.
Phil Vassar's new song, "Let's Get Together," has a party vibe. In it, Phil sings about having a crowd of people at his house. When the crew showed up to his house, according to Phil, "So we're shooting a video and a party broke out!"
Willie Nelson will be inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame for his support of American family farmers via his annual Farm Aid concert events. He's raised nearly $40 million over the past 25 years, and he'll be awarded the Hall of Fame induction on August 13th in Kansas City, just before Farm Aid #26.
Congratulations to Chris Young on his 4th straight #1 song with "Tomorrow."
Eric Church, Randy Montana and Ronnie Milsap all release albums tomorrow.
The tweet of the day is from The Band Perry: "Sharp knives of short lives. Heartbroken for the Norwegians. Tragic days. Sending warm thoughts and honest prayers."
