10. Am I the only one that cannot wait for the new @TheBandPerry CD? “Day 2 in the studio. rp”

9. I take it that @LauraBellBundy isn’t a morning person “Old people gotta A LOT of energy in the morning! They are CACKLING like school girls on this plane to… Wait 4 it… FLORIDA.”

8. Here is another invention worth a million bucks – @SarahBuxton has the cure to crack “Invention: The Crack Flap. Comes up over the back of your pants & covers the inevitable plumbers crack caused by today’s low rise pants.”

7. @BrettEldredge crack me up! “Grey Poupon had a baby and named it Groupon #FancyMustardCoupons”

6. Maybe we should find a different form of transportation for country artists.  This week had yet another bus fire. @ThompsonSquare tweeted “WAKING UP ENGULFED IN SMOME TO A BUS FIRE IN OUR BACK LOUNGE!!!! Not a good morning”

5. Who makes up these rumors? @Reba is as alive as ever! “The rumors of my Austrian death are greatly exaggerated!

4. Obviously @MartinaMcBride isn’t a Starbucks regular. “Starbucks person: What size? Me: Um..regular? I mean, is there a CLASS for this??? How do you learn it? #woefullynotwithit”

3. @BradPaisley was on a roll last week with his #belatedpopsongcorrections. Head over to his twitter to read ‘em all “Birds don’t actually fly over most rainbows. And I can’t fly at all.Therefore I can’t fly over the rainbow. Duh. #belatedpopsongcorrections”

2. There is a reason @ChrisYoungMusic is on the “On Fire” Tour right now “Its official guys! You is my fifth straight billboard number one single!!! Thank you! #stoked”

1. Wait!? There’s a football game today? @Miranda_Lambert tweeted this pic. “Super Bowl!!!!”

Don’t forget to follow Country Music Tattle Tale (@CMTT) on Twitter

If you have any Tweet of the Week suggestions let me know!

Scotty B. – cmttreviewer@yahoo.com

Twitter @stupidkid2150

Yesterday, US military took out the very evil Osama Bin Laden, and thanks to social media, the USA was once again ONE nation UNITED under GOD! Take a look at some of country musics’ best reactions to the historic news.

Blake Shelton via Twitter:

Sorry if this seems disrespectful but I’m so glad that piece absolute $h1t Osama is dead..

Re-writing my fav Woody Guthrie song. This land ain’t your land This is land our land So take a dirt nap So long Bin Laden

Hey Toby!!!!! We finally put the boot in that ass!!!!!
Well, skull actually… Happy happy joy joy!!!

Re-writing my fav Sister Sledge song.. We are family So lay down Bin Laden and bleed We are family Get up everybody sing

Re-writing my fav Georgia Satillites song Bin Laden now baby We’re not here for wealth Kiss your ass goodbye I’ll keep your head for myself

Awe… Well as we all lay down to sleep tonight just know that when we wake up… Bin Laden won’t!!!! Ba! Ha! Ha! What piece of $h1t..

Jaron And the Long Road to Love via Twitter:

SPOILER ALERT: Bin Laden dead.

The Royal Wedding and Osama Bin Laden in one week?!? #mediawinning

Obama called Bush to tell him of Bin Ladens death and to explain the definition of “mission accomplished.”

Props to Country Music… the official music of the US Armed Forces.

A proud day for the men and women of our military, their families and all Americans. Awesome. Really Awesome.

Revenge is a dish best served cold… and with bullet holes in it.

All we’re missing is Springsteen playing the White House lawn.

Lotta babies gonna be born in early February.

If Bush we’re president… I bet he would have pulled a beer out from under the podium and toasted America. #goodrelapseexcuse

Dear media… Bin Laden didn’t die, he was killed. Let’s give credit where credit is due. Stop saying “the death of Bin Laden.” #USsoldiers

I love that I’m watching the news… which is watching people in time square… who are watching the news.

Brad Paisley via Twitter:

Um you all might want to turn the news on right now…….

And… that just about does it for the incredibly massive coverage of the royal wedding. Thanks for tuning in.

If you see someone in a military uniform tomorrow, for heaven’s sake give them a hug. Or a drink. Or a new car.

I really love these rare moments when we feel like one united country.

Just when I was thinking theres just no good TV on Sunday’s with no @NASCAR race, thank you Navy Seals!!

Martina McBride via Twitter:

God bless America and our Armed Forces.

David Nail via Twitter:

If there were ever a more appropriate BOOM, I can’t think of one!

You think the guy who pulled the trigger gets a key to every city?

I sure can’t wait for the movie!

K, I’m just saying, if I’m the one who got him, I get it’s supposed to be a secret, but let’s be real, gotta tell my boys, gotta tell Oprah!

An American soldier is a special breed of human. Twitterland is beautiful in red white and blue!

Someone that knows we watch Celebrity Apprentice just texted me “Hope got sent home”, woke up told wife, she says “who gives a s@$t”! USA

Seen some pretty amazing things in my 30 plus years, having a social media platform to see and read the passion for tonight is nearing tops!

Sara Evans via Twitter:

So proud of our American soldiers for the incredible job they did in taking out Bin Laden! Praise the Lord! Thank you!

Reba McEntire via Twitter:

wow! this is big!!!!!

I’m watching CNN waiting for the President to speak.

I’m sure he’s getting all the facts before he speaks. I know I sure would if I were him!!!

Don’t miss it. This is history! You’ll be telling your grandkids about this one day!

God Bless America!!!!

So proud of our President and our military!

Sarah Buxton via Twitter:

God BLESS those soldiers who carried out this mission successfully! What a bunch of bad asses. America, America, God shed his grace on thee!

THANK YOU U.S. MILITARY & MILITARY FAMILIES. Youre the reason for our continued freedom. No doubt there’s a special place for you in heaven!

Everyone remember how blessed we are for our safety tonight. Lets band together in hope and love. We don’t need any more reasons to divide!

Laura Bell Bundy via Twitter LIVE from Washington DC:

Ok I’m in DC right now & I have a flight in a few hours but I’m getting out of bed & headed to the white house to be a part of history!

It’s nuts out here! People are honking, hanging out cars & are draped in American Flags! They’re all singing ‘America, F*** Yeah!’

My videos are taking a long time to load but people are chanting ‘THANK THE TROOPS!!’ Indeed

This has been LBB reporting from the White House in Washington, DC. Love to ALL tweeters — American or not.xo

Us ladies here from CMTT want to personally thank all of our troops- past, present, and future as well as all of our great leaders who have lead our country through times of turmoil. God Bless America!!!

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com

Lots of country stars said “I Do” in 2010…and plenty are planning their big days for 2011 while proudly sporting new rocks on their left hand.

Kacey Coppola married Dating in the Dark host Rossi Morreale in a destination wedding on August 7th.

Marc Fortney of Trailer Choir and Emily Robertson of Carter’s Chord got hitched in a surprise wedding on September 6th.

Eric Gunderson from Love and Theft married long-time girlfriend Emily Hagar on April 3rd.

Photo Courtesy of Country Weekly

Brian Bandas also from Love and Theft married Kelly Barons on September 26th.

Photo Courtesy of People Magazine

Carrie Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher on July 10th in a swanky wedding on a Georgia plantation.

Sarah Buxton married Tom Bukavac on November 20th.

Lorrie Morgan and Randy White tied the knot in a romantic island ceremony on September 15th.

LOTS of other stars said yes to the magic question when it was “popped”…

Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton will become country musics newest ‘power couple’ in 2011. They’ve hinted at a May wedding.

Kellie Pickler and long-time love Kyle Jacobs got engaged on a Florida beach in June of 2010.

Gloriana’s Cheyenne Kimball is gonna marry songwriter Casey Twist.

Keith Anderson will wed long-time girlfriend Lauren Woodruff in 2011.

Shania Twain is sporting a massive rock from fiance Frederic Thiebaud.

And LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian got engaged this past week just making the 2011 cut-off.

Since Carrie Underwood’s lavish wedding definitely was the talk of 2010…who’s nuptuals will be the talk of 2011?? I say Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert…Gonna be something to see for sure.

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com

10. @Jason_Aldean might be getting ready for a Christmas feast with this great buck! “that’s a ten”
9. Newcomer @JamesHarrisongs teaches us how to write some songs; just take a few naps! “All my song ideas come to me right as I’m about to fall asleep! Inspiration has a really strange sense of timing. Just thought I’d share…”
8. Being from Wisconsin, @JayDeMarcus’s tweet had to make my list this week. “Brett Favre. Please, for everyones sake retire!!!!!!!!!!!! You are done. No one disrespects what you’ve done but good Lord man, LAY IT DOWN.”
7. @BradPaisley proves that it’s not whats in the card that matters, it’s just the thought! “My favorite Christmas card yet. From my coolest little pal, Jayden.”

6. Another newcomer @BlaineLarsen made me laugh with this ironic tweet. “On Pawn Stars it is hilarious how many people are like ‘I won’t take less than $1000 for this,’ the they take $100!”
5. @SarahBuxton’s tweet prove how ignorant people are! What if people stole groceries, electricity, computers, TVs, etc. IT’S ALL THE SAME! DON’T DO IT! “Actual quote from some young woman sitting in front of me “I mean, who even buys CD’s anymore? I’ll buy a CD for a local band that needs the money, but *%#! buying music–I just pirate that *#%!” IGNORANCE. Awesome.”
4. Thank you @BlakeShelton for the service announcement! “Holiday Lust Lessons by Blake Shelton When giving someone your “package” this season be smart… Make sure it’s wrapped.”
3. @MartinaMcBride’s house is decorated after just a few holiday crafts! “Can’t they make glitter that doesn’t fall off? All. Over. My. House?????”
2. @JoeyandRory prove what the real Christmas Spirit is through this tweet! “we’re taking local kids shopping at Walmart. They each get $100 to spend! What a special event to be part of”

1. @JayDeMarcus made the list twice this week! This week he got an early Christmas present! “It’s true! Madeline Leigh DeMarcus was born yesterday at 4:49pm. She weighed 6 lbs, 9 oz… Ali and I are so excited!!!”

Don’t forget to follow Country Music Tattle Tale (@CMTT) on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/cmtt

If you have any Tweets of the Week suggestions let me know!

Scotty B.
cmttreviewer@yahoo.com
Twitter @stupidkid2150

Kristi, one of our fabulous CMTT readers had the pleasure of attending the Country Throwdown Tour last week.   We have been telling you about this tour for months now and it is a MUST SEE!  We normally don’t post reviews that are this long but because this is an ENTIRE DAY full of great music we thought we would let you read all about it.  Just make sure to click the link at the bottom to read the rest of the review.   It’s worth reading from beginning to end.

The creators of the Vans Warped Tour have finally done what they should have done a long time ago – they created the first traveling country music festival, the Country Throwdown Tour. Seeing as this is their first year doing this festival, they have a lot of kinks to work out for 2011; but, overall, it was a great show.

I attended the show in Bakersfield, Calif. on June 18. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect since every show on the tour had been at an outdoor amphitheater and this one was booked at an arena. It’s an all-day event with multiple stages, so I went in not knowing what to expect since the area around the arena has no room for something like that. It turns out that the entire thing was indoors: the Bluebird Café and Outlaw Stages in the theater connected to the arena, and the Main Stage in the big arena. The fact that the fans and the artists didn’t have to melt out in the heat was a major plus; however, the acoustics and the lighting inside were less than desirable. I was a bit disappointed with that aspect of it, but I quickly got over that once the music really got going. It was a non-stop party from beginning to end.

I started my day off at the Bluebird Café stage watching local singer-songwriters do their thing. I think it’s so great that the tour is bringing in local artists at each stop to try and give them a “break” and give them their first shot at playing for die-hard country music fans. The crowd was sparse at this point, which wasn’t surprising since it started at 1 p.m. on a weekday. It didn’t begin to get real busy until about 3 p.m. or so.

After watching the locals perform, I headed over to the Rockstar Energy truck for the Eli Young Band signing. There were a ton of people in line; thank goodness for my VIP wristband. Sorry to all you folks I got to go in front of, but I was very thankful to not have to wait in line for 45 minutes! They were an incredibly kind group of guys with immense talent. There’s more to them that “Always The Love Songs,” and I can’t wait for people to hear what they’re really made of.

Immediately following the Eli Young Band signing, I headed back over to the Bluebird stage to see some of my absolute favorites, Sarah Buxton and Jedd Hughes (now known as the duo, Buxton Hughes). I have been listening to their records constantly lately and I was so excited to finally get to see them live. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. They were absolutely fantastic. One of the highlights of the day was an “enthusiastic” fan dancing her rear-end off during every single one of their songs, even though I don’t think she had a clue as to who they were. Why do I say that? Because she screamed “Rocks In Your Shoes!!!!” as a request…and that’s an Emily West song. Sarah and Jedd were obviously getting a kick out of this woman. It looked as though they were doing all they could just to get through a song without laughing. Emily West, who was watching sidestage, and Dave Pahanish, a singer-songwriter that was playing with Sarah and Jedd, ended up joining the crazy woman in front of the stage for a little dance session. It was absolutely hilarious. After Buxton Hughes finished their set (which was entirely too short, by the way), I headed over to the Capitol Records booth to meet them. I had met Sarah once before, but this was my first time meeting Jedd. They are both total sweethearts. No one deserves a “big break” as much as they do.

Next on the agenda was seeing Emily West perform on the Outlaw Stage. That girl has got some mean pipes! I’ve been a fan of her music for a long time now and have met her a few times, but this was my first time seeing her perform live. She was amazing. You can tell how much she loves what she does. She pours her heart and soul into every song she sings. The crowd favorite was definitely “Blue Sky,” a real tearjerker, which happens to be her current single. I got to meet Emily again following her set and she was just as sweet as can be.

Jonathan Singleton & The Grove were the next guys up on the Outlaw Stage. I had only seen them once before and that was only a four-song acoustic set opening for Carrie Underwood at a state fair. Seeing the entire band play was a much different experience and I can’t believe how insanely talented these guys are. I love Jonathan’s gravelly voice and the band’s rockin’ rhythm that drives each one of their songs. I’d definitely pay to see these guys again. I met them later on at their merchandise booth and they were the nicest group of guys you could possibly meet. Check out their music if you haven’t already.

Since I was sporting a VIP wristband, I wandered around a bit backstage at the arena while the Eli Young Band was playing the Main Stage. I watched part of their set from sidestage, then headed backstage to check out all of the bands’ equipment. I got a sneak peek at Little Big Town’s set list and got to check out their guitars up close. After exploring back there for a bit, I headed outside to where the semi-trucks and tour buses were. I ended up by Montgomery Gentry’s buses, which were totally “pimped out.” It looked as though they’d just been outside because their lawn chairs were sitting outside in front of their TV (which was still on) which pops out one of the storage compartments on the outside of the bus.

I got back into the arena to catch the end of the Eli Young Band’s set, then headed back over to the theater to take in Heidi Newfield’s show on the Outlaw Stage. That girl knows how to rock. There’s no doubt that she should have been playing the Main Stage. The crowd watching her was by far the biggest of the day for the Outlaw or Bluebird stages. She rolled through her hits like “Johnny & June” and “Cry, Cry (‘Til the Sun Shines),” and threw in some new material and old Trick Pony material as well. She made a vow to sign autographs and take pictures with every single person who wanted to meet her, and she stayed true to her word. She seems like a very genuine person and I was honored to meet her. I happened to see Bluebird artists Walker Hayes (he loves Country Music Tattle Tale!) and Ashley Ray walking around after that, so I went up and chatted with them for a bit, too.

Heidi was the last performer for the day in the theater, so everyone then made their way over to the arena for the rest of the night’s festivities. I caught the first half of Jack Ingram’s set before heading backstage for a meet & greet with my favorite band in the world, Little Big Town. I’ve met them on numerous occasions over the past several years, but I still get just as excited as I did the first time I met them. I honestly believe that there is no other artist out there that’s as good to their fans as Little Big Town is to theirs. Having seen my face a million times, they greet me like an old friend. I made miniature scrapbooks for each of them documenting all of our fun times together and some of my favorite shows. Seeing the looks on their faces as they flipped through them was priceless. They seemed genuinely surprised and happy that someone would take the time to do that for them. After receiving kisses on the cheek from Phillip and Jimi for the gift, I’m pretty sure I’ll make them a new scrapbook every time I go see them. Just kidding, Karen – don’t hurt me!

After the meet & greet, I made my way back into the arena for Eric Church’s set. He had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. Bakersfield definitely loves them some Church! The fan favorite was a track from his debut album, “I Pledge Allegiance to the Hag,” honoring Bakersfield legend, Mr. Merle Haggard. The crowd went absolutely nuts. There was beer splashing all over the place and I’ve never seen so many bras and panties being thrown onstage. My personal favorites were “Love Your Love The Most,” “How ‘Bout You,” and “Guys Like Me.”

Little Big Town was next to take the stage and, I have to say, this was the best crowd response I’ve ever seen them get at any show of theirs that I’ve been to. They opened with a new song, “Why, Oh Why,” from their upcoming album, The Reason Why, set to be released August 24. They also played some other tracks called “Runaway Train” and “The Reason Why,” both of which will be on the new album. Of course, they performed classic fan favorites such as “Good As Gone,” “Bring It On Home,” and “Fine Line,” but the biggest response of the night came from their current single, “Little White Church.” They closed their set with their first monster-hit, “Boondocks,” and left the crowd wanting more. I could have listened to them play all night long.

Unfortunately, I missed the remainder of the evening’s festivities, which included Jamey Johnson and Montgomery Gentry, because I wasn’t feeling well. Regardless, it was an unforgettable day. I can only hope that they had enough success this year to do a second go ‘round next year. It’s the perfect opportunity for those who can’t afford to attend the annual CMA Music Festival in Nashville to see and meet a ton of great country artists all in one day, right in their own town. Thanks, Country Throwdown!

~Kristi

The Hard Rock Cafe stage rocks CMA Fest…The entertainment doesn’t start and stop with the LP Field shows…In fact, it’s just beginning when some of Nashville’s best hit the Hard Rock Stage. Oh, and better yet- IT’S FREE!

Thursday, June 10th Line-up
11:00-11:30 Adam Sanders

11:45-12:15 Sean Patrick McGraw

12:30-1:00 Jypsi

1:15-1:45 Sara Buxton/Jedd Hughes

2:00-2:30 Trevor Finlay

2:45-3:15 Penny Mae Dixon

3:30-4:00 Bush Hog

4:15-4:45 Ladd Smith

5:00-5:30 Eden’s Edge

5:45-6:15 Jillia Jackson

6:30-7:00 Jason Sever

Friday, June 11th Line-Up
11:00-11:30 Jason James

11:45-12:15 Ashley Thomas

12:30-1:00 The McClymonts

1:15-1:45 Missy Werner

2:00-2:30 Jaida Dreyer

2:45-3:15 Megan Mullins

3:30-4:00 Carly Pearce

4:15-4:45 Eric Paslay

5:00-5:30 Cowboy Troy

5:45-6:15 Jason Meadows

6:30-7:00 Chelsea Fields

Saturday, June 12th Line-up
11:00-11:30 Steven Lee Olson

11:45-12:15 Sheila Marshall

12:30-1:00 Jaime Fox

1:15-1:45 Ward Davis

2:00-2:30 Matt Ramsey

2:45-3:15 Matt Jenkins

3:30-4:00 SHEL/WME

4:15-4:45 Cross County Junction

5:00-5:30 Jeff Allen

5:45-6:15 Cowboy Troy

6:30-7:00 JD Shelburne

Click here for more information.

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com

Katie Armiger released “Leaving Home” to high school students across the country as a graduation gift to the class of 2010 and has been ‘amazed’ by the response. The song has struck a chord with those that have heard it and has even been chosen as the graduation song at more than 15 high schools across the country.

In an effort to thank several of those schools Katie has been making special visits to perform the song for students. Last week Katie made a stop at Luella High School in Atlanta and surprised the school’s band, who were gathered for band rehearsal, with a performance and in a flash mob-like style the students from the choir suddenly joined her performance. The performance was captured on video by teachers and students and has since gone viral with well over 13,000 views in just 6 days.

I am truly amazed at the response “Leaving Home” has gotten,” said Katie. “As a songwriter you hope that your music touches people and it seems that this song has done just that. I am so thankful to all the high schools and the students who have chosen the song as their graduation song and especially to Luella High School for an extra special visit last week.”

Katie wrote “Leaving Home” with Sarah Buxton, and Blair Daly about her journey graduating high school and moving to Nashville to pursue her dreams as a country music artist. Katie is currently working on her forthcoming third album set for release on Cold River Records this Fall.

Country Girl wants you to be a Tattle Tale! Have you been to a country concert lately? Run into a country artist while out on the town? We want to hear all about your country music news and entertainment. Email me at countrygirl@countrymusictattletale.com