Blake Shelton is "People Country's" Hottest Guy of 2012.

"People Country" magazine's list of the Hottest Country Guys of 2012 will be on newsstands today,but they did leak some details ahead of time.
BLAKE SHELTON grabbed the top spot . . . which, of course, means he's on the cover. And then there's his reaction to the honor. He says, quote, "I think it’s funny because there is nothing about me, if I was a girl, that I would think is sexy." Blake's wife MIRANDA LAMBERT offers her take on why he's so dreamy. She says, quote, "The minute he opens his mouth and starts talking to you, he makes you smile. That's what made me think, 'Oh my gosh, this guy is awesome.'" Other country stars who made the list include . . . in no particular order . . . Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley and David Nail. For some reason, David Nail's people were the only ones who jumped on the news early and squeezed a statement out of him. David said, quote, "I could say what everybody always says, 'You don't see me in the morning.' But I know that this is a huge compliment . . . and it's nice to know people think you're desirable. I think in my case, the music has a lot to do with it."

First Lady Michelle Obama to Present Award to Taylor Swift at Kids' Choice Awards.

First lady Michelle Obama will present Taylor Swift with this year's The Big Help Award at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards this Saturday night. The honor recognizes Taylor's charitable work on behalf of tornado and flood victims, including her 2011 Speak Now…Help Now concert that raised $750,000 for tornado relief in the southeast. Mrs. Obama received The Big Help Award in 2010 for her work championing kids' health through the Let's Move! campaign. Will Smith hosts the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, airing live from Los Angeles this Saturday night.

Kenny Chesney Super-Fans to Be Featured During His New Summer Tour!

Production for Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw's Brothers of the Sun tour is in full swing, and Kenny's fan club members have gotten in on the act. Those Kenny super-fans were asked to send in videos of themselves out having fun with their friends. Select fan footage will be shown on the big video screens as Kenny performs his hit "Out Last Night" on the tour this summer. The trek kicks off June 2 in Tampa, FL with special guests Jake Owen and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals. The tour stops at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on August 11th!

Carrie Underwood Sends Words of Encouragement and Gifts to American Idol Hopefuls.

It's been quite a few years since Carrie Underwood was crowned the winner of American Idol, but she still makes a point to reach out to the contestants on the show every season. Idol season 11 contestant Hollie Cavanagh tweeted over the weekend thanking Carrie for a necklace the country star sent her. Hollie said, "I wear it everyday, and I almost cried reading the letter." Carrie tweeted back, "You're very welcome! I never miss a show! You guys are so good. Can't wait to hear what you all come up with!" Country fans will definitely want to tune in to American Idol this Thursday as season 10 champ Scotty McCreery performs on the results show. That airs at 8 on Fox.

Sugarland Performs on Dancing with the Stars This Tuesday.

Sugarland is headed to Dancing with the Stars Tuesday. The duo's Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush will team up with pop singer Matt Nathanson to sing "Run" on the show. They also performed that song last year at the CMA Awards. Sugarland returns later in the show to sing their up tempo song "Find the Beat Again" from their latest album, The Incredible Machine. The Dancing with the Stars troupe will perform a routine for both of Sugarland's numbers Tuesday night at 9.

Jason Aldean Does Not Want His Song "Fly Over States" to Be Adopted By a Political Candidate.

JASON ALDEAN'S song "Fly Over States" is an ode to the heartland of America and the people who bust their backsides to make it great. Jason's proud of the message, which is why he does NOT want a politician to swoop and steal it. He says, quote, "It'll be my luck that the worst candidate will pick up 'Fly Over States' as his election song. Then I'll be forever linked to that guy, whoever he is! "One of the things about my music is that people who are from Middle America, the heartland, that's kind of where I grew up. Those people have always related to what I was doing, and this song speaks directly to those people."

Kevin Costner's Song "The Angels Came Down" Has Been Adopted by the Families of Soldiers Who Died in Last Year's SEAL Helicopter Crash.

KEVIN COSTNER & MODERN WEST'S song "The Angels Came Down" is a tribute to soldiers who paid the ultimate price for their country. And it's hit home with families who lost loved ones in that Navy SEAL helicopter crash last year in Afghanistan. If you don't remember it, a Chinook helicopter was shot down on August 6th west of Kabul. All 38 people on board were killed . . . including 20 members of SEAL Team Six. It's considered the worst loss of life in the Afghanistan campaign. Kevin explains, quote, "We suffered a terrible tragedy, and we lost so many Navy SEALs and pilots. "The Gold Star Moms and the Gold Star Wives have adopted a song that we wrote that deals with the passing of a soldier and that moment when they lose their life. We couldn't be more proud." Kevin and Modern West will be performing at Fort Knox on April 14th in a special ceremony honoring those who were lost in the crash.

Check But Kevin's Band Modern West's Website Here!

Miranda Lambert Would Love to Add a Song of the Year Award to Her Trophy Case.

Country artists are always talking about wanting to win an ACM or CMA Entertainer of the Year award. And although I'm sure MIRANDA LAMBERT wouldn't turn one down . . . she thinks the Song of the Year award is just as special. She told Toledo, Ohio's "The Blade", quote, "I would love to have a song that I wrote by myself to win a Song of the Year. "There is just something special, something that makes you reach deep down into who you are as an artist, when you write a song all on your own. "I wrote 'Dear Diamond' and 'Safe' on 'Four the Record' on my own, and I am so proud of those songs." Obviously, Miranda has a few other things she's proud of too. Like when LORETTA LYNN singled her out as the artist that reminded her of herself. Miranda has a good idea why. She says, quote, "I think [Loretta] and I love and believe in the same kind of songwriting . . . authentic, no-holds-barred country songs. "I know I've always thought that she is one of the strongest women in music, and I hope I can set that kind of example as well. I would love to have a career like hers where I am still making music that I love well into my later years."

Fan Voting for ACM Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year Now Open!

Fan voting is now open for ACM Entertainer of the Year and ACM New Artist of the Year at VoteACM.com. Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swiftare up for Entertainer of the Year. Voting in that category will end during the third hour of the ACM Awards broadcast on CBS Sunday, April 1. Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes and Scotty McCreery are up for ACM New Artist of the Year; voting for that trophy will end on April 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET, just before the ACM broadcast starts. The three New Artist of the Year nominees will also be featured in the five-part original Web series, Road to the ACM Awards, at CBS.com/ACMs. A few artists have already started campaigning for your vote, including Taylor Swift. She released a video of herself showing her cat Meredith how to vote for ACM Entertainer of the Year online. Blake Shelton has also released a video asking for fans' votes with highlights from his current Well Lit and Amplified tour.

ix Brooks Thanks the Internet for Helping Joe Walsh Guest Star On His Record.

KIX BROOKS loves how easy it was for guitar legend JOE WALSH to perform on his song "New To This Town". He explains, quote, "[Joe]was actually in rehearsals for the Grammys with PAUL MCCARTNEY [when] I sent him some tracks via the internet. "He recorded on them and fired them back [and] I had them mixed in the same day. You can say what you want about the internet and how it screws the creativity, but there was a time when I would have had to get on an airplane with a two-track tape and fly to L.A. with it. "[The internet] allowed me to get my favorite guitar player ever on one of my records and I just couldn't be more excited about that."

Rascal Flatts Planning to Open Chain of Restaurants!

Rascal Flatts has a lot on their plate with a new album and concert film hitting theaters in the next few weeks. They'll be adding even more to that plate with the launch of a new chain of restaurants. Gary LeVox says that they hope the restaurants open later this year. "We’re just trying to expand our brand and give fans something new and different from us." That's all the details Gary is giving up for now. In the meantime, you can pick up their new album, Changed, on April 3. Their Rascal Flatts: Changed -- One Night Exclusive Theater Event takes place April 5. Check out FathomEvents.com for details and tickets.

Alan Jackson's Wife Denise Has Clean Bill of Health Following Cancer Battle.

Alan Jackson's wife Denise battled cancer about a year ago, but she's got a clean bill of health now. Denise still has to go in for regular checkups, but Alan says, "She's probably more healthy than she's ever been now 'cause she's really watching what she eats and does." Denise is making sure Alan benefits from her new focus on staying healthy. He says with a laugh, "Now she's wearing me out." Facing Denise's cancer diagnosis was really rough on Alan though. Of course, he dealt with it through music, and a song he wrote about the experience may end up on his next album. He says, "I don't imagine it's anything for commercial release or anything, but there's a lot of emotion in that song." Alan isn't the only writer in the family though. Denise has penned two bestselling books about her faith, and her recent battle with cancer may inspire a third one. "She drew from her faith to help her get through that, and I think she feels strongly about trying to do something with that eventually," Alan explains.
Alan's new album is due out later this year featuring his brand-new single, "So You Don't Have to Love Me Anymore."

"Batman" Hits the Mean Streets of Slovakia!

A 26-year-old Slovakian man turned his life around after spending time in jail last year, and has become a hero. Zoltan Kohari dons a homemade Batman costume, arms himself with a short sword with a Batman action figure attached to the handle, and stalks his neighborhood's streets.
As he was all too eager to demonstrate for a news camera, the stocky superhero looks out for ne'er do wells from his apartment window -- onto which he's scrawled a bat symbol matching the DIY nature of his other gear -- and slides down his building's wires into action.

Carrie Underwood Portrays Dual Personalities in "Good Girl" Video.

At first glance, you may think Carrie Underwood is just prancing around looking good in her new "Good Girl" video. There's actually more to the story than that though. Carrie posted a behind-the-scenes clip from the video set this week explaining the video's dual-personality concept a little further. In some shots, Carrie's dressed in white as an innocent, or "good" girl blindly in love with a guy who's doing her wrong. In other shots, Carrie is dressed in darker colors playing the wiser girl trying to warn the good girl about this guy who's up to no good. Carrie says of the wise girl, "She's not bad, she's just trying to give the good girl some knowledge and say, 'Wake up! Open up your eyes and see this guy for what he is.'" "Good Girl" is the lead single from Carrie's fourth album, Blown Away, due out May 1.



Here's the behind the scenes video!

Jake Owen Helped Some Teenager Ask a Girl To The Prom!

JAKE OWEN used his Twitter account to help some high school kid ask a girl to the prom. On Tuesday he Tweeted, quote, "Hey @larissa_lewisss. My name is Jake. We've never met, but I have a question for you. Hope to hear from you, -J." Larissa replied that she was interested . . . so Jake wrote, quote, "@tylermiles14 wants you to go to prom w/ him. I said I'd ask u if he treated you nice." She agreed . . . writing, "Yes, of course! You can tell Tyler he has a date!"

Once again, Country Music to the rescue!! Way to go, Jake!

Have A Nice Day!

Toby On The Tube!

You've got plenty of chances to catch Toby Keith on TV in the coming weeks. Toby stops by The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Thursday followed by a Friday appearance on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He continues his media blitz with an interview on E!'s Chelsea Lately March 27. Also, catch Toby performing on the 47th Annual ACM Awards Sunday, April 1 on CBS.

Rascal Flatts Teams with CMT and Taylor Guitars for New Contest!

Rascal Flatts will embark on their American Band tour this summer, and they've teamed up with CMT and Taylor Guitars to sweeten the deal for a few lucky fans. The band members will play Taylor guitars custom-designed by fans on the new tour. Fans could win the chance for a VIP experience at one of the Flatts' shows, where they'll actually go home with their autographed, custom-designed Taylor guitar. Fans can submit their designs through April 30 at RascalFlatts.CMT.com. Fans will also have the chance to win mini-Taylor guitars autographed by Rascal Flatts on select concert dates. Rascal Flatts' American Band tour launches June 15 in Hartford, CT.

Rascal Flatts / Taylor Guitar Contest!!

Taylor Swift gets 'Punk'd' by Justin Bieber -- VIDEO

MTV just released a trailer for its Punk’d reboot, and they’re aiming high. Unlike the prank show’s previous Ashton Kutcher-led incarnation, a different celebrity will host the show each week (though Kutcher is still producing). For the big-name, wedding-crashing premiere on March 29, Justin Bieber brings the mischief and mayhem as he puts country sweetheart Taylor Swift through the ringer. From the look on her face, you’d think she won an award! See the trailer below.

Get More: Punk'd, Full Episodes

More Stars Added to ACM Awards Performers Lineup...

The 47th Annual ACM Awards has added some more star power to the performer lineup. The show's co-host Blake Shelton will now sing on the CBS broadcast. Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Chris Young and The Band Perry have also lined up performance slots. They join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw on the bill. Blake and Reba host the ACM Awards.

Jake Owen Analyzes the One-Sided Toxic Relationship in "Alone with You"

Jake Owen has scored another hit with "Alone with You," a song about a one-sided, toxic relationship. Jake sings from the perspective of a guy who is head over heels for a girl who just uses him for a quick thrill. He says, "The whole line in there that says, you know, 'I don't see you laugh, you don't call me back, I don't know your friends, I don't know where you've been, but you kiss me when you're drunk.' It's like, it's real." Jake adds, "It's sexy too, to kind of admit it and say that I can't get enough of you, but I can't be around you either." "Alone with You" is the second single from Jake's third album, Barefoot Blue Jean Night, in stores now.

Sugarland Puts the Fans in Charge on New Tour Launching April 5!

The fans will truly be in charge at Sugarland's concerts this spring and summer. The set lists for the duo's In the Hands of the Fans tour will be made up of fan's requests through Twitter, Facebook, calls made during the show and signs up held up in the audience. "The fans will become the conductors as well as the audience," Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles explains. "If it's on one of our records or if we've played it on a stage it is fair game.” Lauren Alaina and Canaan Smith will serve as openers on select dates. Specific guidelines and instructions on how to turn in your song request will be coming soon to SugarlandMusic.com.

Lady Antebellum Includes Live Concert Footage in New "Dancing Away with My Heart" Video.

Lady Antebellum filmed their new video for "Dancing Away with My Heart" while out on their Own the Night tour. The black and white clip starts off with each band member recalling their first dance.
Charles: "I think the first dance I ever had was in middle school. It was to Tim McGraw's 'Don't Take the Girl.'"

Hillary: "The first time I ever remember dancing was with my dad in my living room when I was five years old. It was a really goofy, fun little dance that I had with my dad."

Dave: "I remember my first dance was to Garth Brooks' 'The Dance' back in seventh grade. My heart was racing, but it was definitely a moment I'll never forget."

The "Dancing Away with My Heart" video gives viewers a peek at Lady A's impressive concert set up. Don't forget! Wolf listeners can get your tickets to see Lady A along with Darius Rucker & Thompson Square at Bethel Woods on June 13th...EARLY! Today from 10am - midnight go to bethelwoodscenter.org and enter the access code WOLF for this special pre-sale!!

Miranda Lambert Releases "Over You" Video This Week.

Miranda Lambert's video for "Over You" will be posted online today or tomorrow, but she's giving fans a behind the scenes look at the clip now on Vevo. Miranda hasn't made a video since "Only Prettier" about a year-and-a-half ago, so she was excited to get back in front of the camera. The "Over You" video was shot at Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Tennessee with Miranda wearing a Victorian-style dress for a late-1800s look. She also shares some screen time with a white horse and jokes that she might take him on the road for the live performance of the song. "Over You" is the second single from Miranda's latest album, Four the Record, following the top five hit "Baggage Claim." If you can't wait to stream the "Over You" video, it is now available for download at iTunes.