Kelly Clarkson Will Record More Country Music. But Don't Expect Her to Abandon Pop

KELLY CLARKSON is always getting asked if she plans to switch from pop to country. And it picked up steam earlier this month when she was nominated for a CMA Best Female Vocalist award. Well, Kelly's answer is that she's sticking with both. She says, quote, "I think we're going to try and do (some) songs just for country music, and keep doing stuff for pop, as well. For me, if it's a great song, let's just cut it, and not worry about where it lands. Whatever it ends up sounding like, that's great. "As long as it's a natural thing, and it's something I love, I'm totally cool with doing it." Kelly's been getting a lot of love from country fans lately, but that won't change her course. She says, quote, "I have a great career. I never want to compromise my career just to get more fans. I think that's cheesy, and I think it's transparent, as well."

Eric Church Ruffles Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert's Feathers with Reality TV Comments...

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert aren't very happy with Eric Church. In a new interview in Rolling Stone, Eric bluntly shares his feelings on artists that get their start on musical competition shows like The Voice and American Idol.

He says, "Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green ----ing turn around in a red chair, you got a deal? That's crazy. I don't know what would make an artist do that. You're not an artist." The Rolling Stone writer notes that Eric raises his voice and becomes angry as he continues saying, "If I was concerned about my legacy, there's no ----ing way I would ever sit there [and be a reality-show judge]. Once your career becomes something other than the music, then that's what it is. I'll never make that mistake. I don't care if I ----ing starve."

Eric's Rolling Stone interview appears in the latest print issue only and has not been published online yet. Blake Shelton responded to Eric's comments with a tweet, "I wish I misunderstood this…"

Miranda wasn't so kind with her response though. She got her start on the TV talent competition Nashville Star and tweeted Monday, "Thanks Eric Church for saying I'm not a real artist. Or @kellyclarkson, @carrieunderwood & @keithurban. Your welcome from the tour in 2010."

Eric did serve as the opening act for Miranda on the road for part of 2010. Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are both American Idol winners, and Keith Urban is currently serving as a mentor on Australia's version of The Voice. Eric released a statement late Monday clarifying the comments in Rolling Stone. He says they were "part of a larger commentary on these types of reality shows and the perception they create, not the artists involved with the shows themselves."

He goes on to explain that shows like The Voice and American Idol make it seem like artists can take a shortcut to success and don't show the hard work that goes into making a music career successful once the cameras stop rolling. "Every artist has to follow up television appearances with dedication towards their craft, but these shows tend to gloss over that part and make it seem like you can be ordained into stardom," says Eric. "I have a problem with those perceived shortcuts, not just in the music industry." Responding directly to Miranda's tweet, Eric adds, "I have a lot of respect for what artists like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and my friend Miranda Lambert have gone on to accomplish. This piece was never intended to tear down any individual and I apologize to anybody I offended in trying to shed light on this issue. " Eric expresses gratitude to the artists and fans that have helped him so far, and says he didn't mean for his "comments to undermine their talent and achievements."

Super Bowl 46: The National Anthem and Other Performances...

Kelly Clarkson did not have a Christina Aguilera moment Sunday while performing the national anthem at the Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Unlike Christina, who muffed the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" at last year's Big Game, Kelly delivered a clean rendition of the song. She was backed by the Indianapolis Children's Choir. In case you placed a bet on how long Kelly's rendition of the national anthem would last, she clocked in at around one minute, 35 seconds. Before Kelly had her moment in the spotlight, Blake Shelton and his wife, fellow country music superstar Miranda Lambert, performed a duet of "America the Beautiful." All three artists have a connection to NBC, which aired the Super Bowl. Shelton is a judge/coach on The Voice -- which premiered after the Super Bowl broadcast -- and he will welcome Lambert and Clarkson as guest mentors on his team this season. The official start of NBC's Super Bowl game broadcast began with a new version of Faith Hill's Sunday Night Football theme. It was the same music, but with revised lyrics to coincide with the Super Bowl.

(ABC News)

Kelly Clarkson to Perform National Anthem at Super Bowl; Shelton & Lambert "America the Beautiful".

It'll be Kelly Clarkson singing the national anthem at the upcoming Super Bowl. NBC confirmed it today, also announcing that Blake Shelton and wife Miranda Lambert will perform "America the Beautiful" prior to the NFL championship game. Their version of "America the Beautiful" is now available for download at iTunes. As already announced, Madonna is the halftime performer. It'll be Clarkson's first time performing at the Super Bowl. It's also interesting to note that Shelton and Lambert join only a handful of artists who have ever performed "America the Beautiful" at the big game. The others are Vicki Carr (Super Bowl 11), Mary J. Blige and Marc Anthony (Super Bowl 36), Alicia Keys (Super Bowl 39), Faith Hill (Super Bowl 43), Queen Latifah (Super Bowl 44), Lea Michele (Super Bowl 46) and, of course, Ray Charles (Super Bowl 35).

Blake Shelton Threatened to "Throat Punch" People Who Disrespected Kelly Clarkson.

KELLY CLARKSON started a Twitter firestorm last week when she said she "loved" RON PAUL as the Republican nominee for President. It began with this Tweet, quote, "I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination and no one gave him a chance. If he wins the nomination for the Republican Party in 2012 he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't."
Unfortunately, when you talk politics, the haters come out. People started Tweeting their angry disapproval of Kelly's political views . . . with some even accusing Ron Paul of being racist and homophobic. (Really??? Come on...)
Kelly did her best to make nice. At one point she Tweeted, quote, "I am really sorry if I have offended anyone. Obviously, that was not my intent. I do not support racism." Well, Kelly's buddy BLAKE SHELTON never met a Twitter controversy he didn't like . . . so he enthusiastically jumped in. Blake Tweeted, quote, "I love you! I'll listen to your viewpoints anytime. And I really wouldn't mind throat punching someone for you either!"

Now THAT'S why I really like (and relate to) Blake Shelton! Go, Blake!

Your Music Video Of The Day - Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson "Don't You Wanna Stay"

Look for Jason and Kelly TONIGHT on American Idol!

Don't You Wanna Stay - Jason Aldean - Jason Aldean Videos

Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson Have Nation's Top Country Song.

There's a new top song on the Billboard chart, and it belongs to Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson. Their "Don't You Wanna Stay" reaches the summit after a steady 17-week journey.

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