Blake Shelton photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

GRAMMY nominations are in and the stars are reveling in the good news. Blake Shelton received nominations in three of the four country categories, including Best Country Solo Performance for “Honey Bee,” Best Country Song for “God Gave Me You” and Best Country Album for his album, Red River Blue.

“It’s one thing to be acknowledged by the GRAMMY voters for one of your songs, but to have two songs nominated, and the album that they’re both off of, is an emotional experience,” Blake said. “I may never have something like this in my career again and I’m darn well going to enjoy it!”

Tying Blake for most country GRAMMY nominations is Jason Aldean. The three nominations are also Jason’s first GRAMMY nods. Up for Best Country Album for My Kinda Party, Best Country Solo Performance for “Dirt Road Anthem” and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson, Jason also performed “Dirt Road Anthem” with rapper Ludacris, during the GRAMMY Nominations Concert.

“I was totally stunned, and it all happened so fast,” Jason said. “I was feelin’ a pretty big adrenaline rush from our performance with Luda, and then to be told we had three nominations was just crazy. We were flying pretty high all night… there was definitely some celebrating on the flight back to Nashville.”

While all three nominations are special, Best Country Album is a dream come true for Jason. “That ‘Album’ nomination is what artists dream of their whole career,” he said. “And then for both the duet with Kelly and ‘Dirt Road’ to get some recognition, which were both different kinds of songs for us this year, it’s just incredible.”

Eric Church received his first ever GRAMMY nomination in the Best Country Album category for his album Chief. “The GRAMMYs are the ultimate honor for any recording artist,” Eric said. “It’s very cool that they recognized Chief in what I feel is the most coveted category. I got into the music business because of great records and the feelings they imparted on my heart. I’ve poured everything I am into making those kinds of albums, and I am very thankful for this nod.”

Thompson Square found themselves nominated for two GRAMMY awards. They are up for Best Country Duo/ Group Performance  as well as Best Country Song for “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.” “We both could not believe the news of our Grammy nominations,” Keifer Thompson said. “When our manager told us we really thought he was playing some sort of sick joke on us. We can’t thank the Grammys enough for such a prestigious honor!” Continue Reading

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Kellie Pickler performs on ABC's CMA Country Christmas, the concert special airing Thursday, December 1 at 9/8 CT.

The CMA Country Christmas concert special, hosted by Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, airs tonight, December, 1 at 9/8 CT on ABC. The holiday special includes performances from some of country’s biggest stars as well as intimate fireside chats with artists sharing their favorite holiday memories.

For Kellie Pickler who was joined by husband Kyle Jacobs, one of her treasured  memories is from when she visited with troops in Iraq who couldn’t be home with their families for the holidays. “There are so many things we take for granted,” she said. “We don’t realize it until it’s not there anymore – until that luxury, that freedom, is not there.”

One of Faith Hill‘s favorite memories is of the Christmas she and her two older brothers were given a big box of peanuts by their parents. The siblings had to dig through the peanuts to find money. “I got so upset because she didn’t put any money in my box,” Faith said. “I thought, ‘She gypped me!’” Faith also revealed that she, husband Tim McGraw and their three daughters read The Night Before Christmas, bake and make reindeer food every Christmas.

See photos from this year’s CMA Country Christmas! >>

Vince Gill and wife Amy Grant shared some of their favorite Christmas memories from their childhoods. Vince revealed that his sister is a master at opening Christmas gifts before Christmas Day – and re-sealing them. “She was good at acting surprised at what she got,” Vince said. Continue Reading

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Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina & Martina McBride perform on ABC's CMA Country Christmas, the concert special airing Thursday, December 1 at 9/8 CT.

Country stars not only performed some of their favorite Christmas songs during the CMA Country Christmas concert special that airs tonight at 9/8c on ABC, they also revealed some of their favorite family Christmas traditions during fireside chats that will air throughout the special.

Lauren Alaina and her mother Kristy Suddeth shared that one of their family traditions is decorating their home for the holidays. “We go all out,” Lauren said. “We’re serious about our Christmas decorations. When they don’t work, we are mad.” Lauren also confessed that she snoops for her presents before Christmas Day.

When Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook was young, he and his siblings would pile up together on mattresses and blankets on the floor of what he called the family’s ‘little bitty house.’ “That is harmony,” he said. “That is family. That is what Christmas is all about.”

See photos from CMA Country Christmas! >>

Martina McBride’s three daughters, Ava–6, Emma–13, and Delaney–16, joined Martina for her fireside chat. The McBride ladies shared their favorite Christmas recipe. “We have a weird salad we make,” Martina said, revealing the ingredients to be a jar of pimento cheese, a can of pineapple, half a bag of marshmallows, and a carton of Cool Whip all mixed  together. “It’s so good!” she said. Continue Reading

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Vince Gill photo by Tim Wright, courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Vince Gill is a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry, has sold more than 26 million records and has earned numerous industry awards. In Backstory: Vince Gill, GAC takes a look at Vince’s journey from a high school student working as a side man to a GRAMMY winner. The special premieres tomorrow, Wednesday, November 30 at 8/7 CT.  Full schedule »

Watch a sneak peek here:

Born in Oklahoma, Vince got his start as everyone’s favorite side man, playing several instruments. He moved on to lead vocal duties and chart success with Pure Prairie League before moving back to side man work with the Cherry Bombs. “I was never shy about being a side man and I’m still not,” Vince said. “I love it, I almost prefer it. It’s still my favorite chair to sit in.”

Vince moved to Nashville in 1982 with his wife and young daughter after being signed to RCA Records. His three albums for the label yielded no real hits and suffered from sluggish sales. While loved by the label, creative differences led Vince to ask for a release from his RCA contract. “From a business standpoint, I got it instantly,” Joe Galante, then the RCA chief, said. “From an emotional standpoint, I was devastated.”

Vince soon signed with MCA Records, a move that paired him with an old friend and mentor, Tony Brown. “When I Call Your Name” became a hit single from his MCA debut in 1990, catapulting Vince into stardom. “I think everybody felt a sense of relief,” Vince said. “I’ll never forget it… how many people were just like, ‘Yes!’”

The hits kept coming for Vince and so did the awards. To date, he has won 20 GRAMMYS and 18 CMA Awards, just to name a few. He also served as host of the CMA Awards for 12 years, picking up two Entertainer of the Year awards while he was at it. Continue Reading

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Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina & Martina McBride perform on ABC's CMA Country Christmas, the concert special airing Thursday, December 1 at 9/8 CT.

Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles will again host CMA Country Christmas, the concert special airing Thursday, December 1 at 9/8 CT on ABC. The holiday special will include performances and stories from some of country music’s biggest stars and was filmed at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 10.

During the special, Sugarland will perform the Christmas classic “Silent Night” while American Idol runner up Lauren Alaina will make an appearance to sing “Grown Up Christmas List.” Fans will also see Keith Urban perform an intimate version of “The Christmas Song,”  Martina McBride share her rendition of “Please Come Home For Christmas,” and Darius Rucker perform his rocking version of “Winter Wonderland.”

See photos from last year’s CMA Country Christmas! >>

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Jennifer Nettles photo by Donna Svennevik/ABC, courtesy of the Country Music Association.

Christmas arrived early in Nashville on Thursday night. Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles hosted the second CMA Country Christmas concert, held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The concert was taped and will air on December 1 at 9/8 CT on ABC. It will feature holiday songs and stories from some of country music’s biggest stars.

Lauren Alaina, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Brian Setzer, Sugarland, and Keith Urban all performed during the holiday show. Vince Gill also performed along with special guest Miss Piggy. Continue Reading

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Vince Gill photo by Tim Wright, courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill will host the America’s Opry Weekend Thanksgiving Special, slated to air on radio November 23 through November 27. The radio program will celebrate Thanksgiving and the beginning of a music-filled holiday season, with Vince playing some of the year’s biggest hits about life, home, and thanks. The America’s Opry Weekend Thanksgiving Special will also contain cuts from Vince’s new album, Guitar Slinger, and several of his all-time holiday favorites, including some he’ll be singing with his wife Amy Grant on the couple’s 2011 “Twelve Days of Christmas” tour.

Read Our Review of Guitar Slinger >>

Watch Our Exclusive Vince Gill Acoustic Performances >> Continue Reading

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Photo courtesy of Morris Public Relations.

Vince Gill and Amy Grant have announced their sixth Christmas tour. The Twelve Days Of Christmas – Amy Grant & Vince Gill tour will kick off December 7 in Baltimore, Maryland and wrap with two shows in Nashville at the Ryman auditorium.

5 Things You Don’t Know About Vince Gill >>

“Christmas audiences are special,” Amy said. “They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.” Vince agreed. “These holiday tours have become our favorites,” he said.

Watch Vince Gill’s Fan Q&A >>

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Vince Gill's 2011 CD, Guitar Slinger. Photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Vince Gill is getting personal on his new album. Very personal. In some ways, the title Guitar Slinger downplays the heavy themes that Vince confronts on his new twelve-song collection. Songs with names like “If I Die,” “Threaten Me With Heaven” and “When Lonely Comes Around” give an indication that strong feelings will not be ignored. Vince, who wrote or co-wrote every song on this record, took much inspiration from events or people in his own life when writing it and offers a look at the human condition in the process.

Guitar Slinger, which was recorded at Vince’s home studio, is a complex work that deals with, and sometimes questions, human nature. Take “Billy Paul” for example, a thumping outlaw country-inspired tune with a reserved vocal trying to work through the actions of a man Vince knew well. Through the second verse, Vince sings, Said they found a woman dead up in your room/ I hit my knees and prayed it wasn’t true/ Man, it killed me when I found out it was you, before wondering, What made you go crazy, Billy Paul?

“Threaten Me With Heaven,” the album’s first single, is an introspective take on the meaning of one’s passing. With a sad, reflective guitar lead and open chords, the song dives into weighty subject matter. What’s the worst thing that could happen if they say my time is through?, Vince sings with a subtle strength before delivering powerful lines like, I hear angels through the window pane calling my name. “Threaten Me With Heaven” is also one of the finest examples of Vince’s beautiful, instinctive guitar work and where the title, Guitar Slinger, really comes alive.

In many places throughout the record, Vince’s soulful lead guitar work is like a fantasy meeting of Eric Clapton and Brad Paisley. “When The Lady Sings The Blues,” a R&B/blues-infused cut with dancing blues riffs and a thick bass line, pays understated tribute to Billie Holiday while dropping song names like “God Bless This Child” in the last verse. The title-cut “Guitar Slinger,” which opens the record, feasts on a twangy lead theme while offering not one, but two fiery guitar solos over a honky-tonk blues. Well I was livin’ the life of a guitar slinger/Womens and wines and whiskey for dinner/ Oh, I knew I was in trouble the first time I seen her/ I went and married that Contemporary Christian singer, he sings with a little chuckle on the song. Continue Reading

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Vince Gill (with wife Amy Grant ) celebrates 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, August 13, 2011. Photo by Chris Hollo, courtesy of Schmidt Relations.

The Grand Ole Opry honored Vince Gill‘s 20th anniversary as an Opry member Saturday night. Emmylou Harris, Martina McBride, John Anderson , The Time Jumpers, Vince’s wife Amy Grant and his daughter, Jenny Gill were all on hand to help celebrate. Vince opened the sold-out show by performing “Gotta’ Travel On” in honor of Opry Member Billy Grammer who passed away last week. He also played a Grammer Guitar he purchased just weeks ago.

Vince Gill (with Emmylou Harris ) celebrates 20 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, August 13, 2011. Photo by Chris Hollo, courtesy of Schmidt Relations.

During the show, Vince and Emmylou performed “Two More Bottles of Wine” and “If I Needed You.” Martina stepped up to the mic to sing “Take Your Memory With You,” Vince’s first No. 1 single while Amy sang “True Love” with Vince accompanying her on guitar.

A highlight of the night came when Jenny performed her dad’s hit “If You Ever Have Forever In Mind” while Vince sat on stage with a look of pride on his face. Vince shared with the audience that more than 20 years earlier, he had turned down his very first invitation to play on the Opry because if conflicted with Jenny’s grade school talent show. Continue Reading

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