Taylor Swift photo courtesy of Big Machine Records.

Billboard.com has released their list of the Top Country Artists of 2011. Artists are ranked based on album sales, song downloads and airplay, touring revenue, Social 50 chart action, ringtone sales and streaming data provided by Nielsen BDS. Congratulations to Taylor Swift for being named the Top Country Artist of 2011! What do you think of this ranking? Who’d top YOUR Top 50 list? Leave us a comment below!

1. Taylor Swift
2. Jason Aldean
3. Lady Antebellum
4. Zac Brown Band
5. Blake Shelton
6. The Band Perry
7. Rascal Flatts
8. Kenny Chesney
9. Brad Paisley
10. Luke Bryan
11. Keith Urban
12. Miranda Lambert
13. Sugarland
14. Eric Church
15. Scotty McCreery
16. Toby Keith
17. Thompson Square
18. Chris Young
19. Billy Currington
20. Tim McGraw Continue Reading

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Eli Young Band photo courtesy of Universal Records South.

Billboard.com has released their year-end Top Country Songs chart for 2011. Here are the 50 most popular country songs of the year based on radio airplay audience impressions as measured by Nielsen BDS. Congratulations to Eli Young Band for having the No. 1 song of the year with “Crazy Girl!” Of note, the song was co-written by Lee Brice who recorded “Love Like Crazy,” the Top Song of 2010.

1. “Crazy Girl” – Eli Young Band
2. “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” – Jake Owen
3. “Take A Back Road” – Rodney Atkins
4. “Tomorrow” – Chris Young
5. “You Lie” – The Band Perry
6. “Am I The Only One” – Dierks Bentley
7. “You and Tequila” – Kenny Chesney
8. “Honey Bee” – Blake Shelton
9. “Just Fishin’” – Trace Adkins
10. “Let Me Down Easy” – Billy Currington
11. “Here For A Good Time” – George Strait
12. “Knee Deep” – Zac Brown Band
13. “Just A Kiss” – Lady Antebellum
14. “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” – Justin Moore
15. “Made In America” – Toby Keith
16. “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” – Luke Bryan
17. “Heart Like Mine” – Miranda Lambert
18. “God Gave Me You” – Blake Shelton
19. “Don’t You Wanna Stay” – Jason Aldean w/Kelly Clarkson
20. “What Do You Want” – Jerrod Niemann Continue Reading

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Rodney Atkins photo courtesy of Curb Records.

Rose Palermo, attorney for Rodney Atkins, released a statement this morning in response to reports that Rodney was arrested on November 21 for domestic assault. The website TMZ reports Rodney’s wife, Tammy Atkins, called 911 at 7:47  a.m. on November 21 — claiming the two had been arguing throughout the night in their home.

Via Rodney’s publicist, Ms. Palermo released this statement:

This was an unfortunate verbal dispute between Mr. and Mrs. Atkins within hearing range of their child, and when Mr. Atkins realized their child was in hearing range of the argument his first priority became getting out of the earshot of the child, and that is when Mrs. Atkins called the Police and gave them her version of the argument, which is completely untrue. Mr. Atkins realized that he would have no recourse but to file a complaint for divorce. Since filing the complaint for divorce he has exercised substantial parenting time with the parties’ son and he will continue to do so while the divorce is pending. The criminal complaint does not allege that any harm came to the child or Mrs. Atkins and as a result the court has not prohibited Mr. Atkins from having parenting time with his son. Under Tennessee state law, anyone can swear out a warrant to the police and have a warrant issued to an arrest. Obviously that is the case here, since according to the explicit terms of the warrant, it’s entirely based on the word of Mrs. Atkins. The police did not witness any assault because none occurred. The police did not witness any violence between Mr. and Mrs. Atkins. It is entirely based on her word.

Mr. Atkins plans to spend significant time with his child over the Christmas holidays and respectfully requests privacy at this time. Mr. Atkins wants to thank his fans for standing by him as he is confident the truth will prevail.

This report is issued by Rose Palermo, Nashville, Tn., attorney for Rodney Atkins.

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David Nail photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

This time of year, people like to count their blessings — and country stars are no different. We asked several of your favorite artists what they’re thankful for this holiday season and the answers ranged from family, music and health to…chain saws!

With a new album on shelves just in time for the holidays, David Nail is giving thanks for his career. “This year, I am most thankful for the opportunity to keep doing what I believe I was put here on this earth to do – which is, travel around the country and sing country music and perform and hopefully entertain you all,” he told GAC.

For Jimmy Wayne, he’s thankful for his new companion. “This Thanksgiving holiday, I’m thankful for many things – obviously, my health and having a home,” he said. “But something that just happened to me over the year was, I got a dog. I’m truly thankful for her. She has really brought a lot of light into my life.”

It’s been a chaotic year for American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. He hasn’t had much time to spend with his family between competing on the show and traveling the country promoting his debut album, so what he’s most looking forward to is family time.

“This year for Thanksgiving, I’m extra thankful for the family I have and how they’ve supported me throughout this journey,” Scotty said. “It’s been a trying time in the family, because we haven’t been able to be together. It’s the first time it’s ever been like that. Since February, it’s just been me and mom out here on the road and Dad and Ashley back home. And Ashley’s in college. It’s great to have a family that’s been there to support me and still stand together as a core group.” Continue Reading

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Rodney Atkins photo courtesy of Curb Records.

Rodney Atkins will perform at the 2011 National Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 1 on the Ellipse at President’s Park in Washington, D.C. along with OneRepublic and singer-songwriter Marsha Ambrosius. Carson Daly will host the event, which will feature a special appearance by Kermit the Frog. More performers and special guests will be announced in the coming days.

The ceremony can be viewed live online at www.thenationaltree.org beginning at 4:30 PM/ET with the National Christmas Tree Lighting pre-show. The event will also air on public television through the month of December. Check local listings or visit www.thenationaltree.org for air dates. Continue Reading

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Miranda Lambert And Nan Kelley. Photo by Cheryl Ecton.

Miranda Lambert has new music out this week and stopped by GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown to talk about her latest project, Four The Record, with host Nan Kelley. Miranda also discussed the success of her all-girl group Pistol Annies, being nominated and performing on this year’s CMA Awards and of course, gave the dirt on husband Blake Shelton. If you missed Friday’s premiere, check the schedule for re-airs throughout the week!

Read our review of Miranda Lambert’s Four The Record >>

On the chart this week, Scotty McCreery and Blake Shelton are in control, making up four of the Top 6 videos. Scotty remains at No. 1 this week with “I Love You This Big” while his new video, “The Trouble With Girls,” debuts at No. 3. Blake comes in at No. 5 and No. 6 with “God Gave Me You” and “Footloose.” Reba’s latest, “Somebody’s Cheslea,” debuts this week at No. 11.

This Week’s Chart:

1. Scotty McCreery – “I Love You This Big”
2. Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood – “Remind Me”
3. Scotty McCreery – “The Trouble With Girls”
4. Kellie Pickler – “Tough”
5. Blake Shelton – “God Gave Me You”
6. Blake Shelton – “Footloose”
7. Martina McBride – “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
8. Taylor Swift – “Sparks Fly”
9. Toby Keith – “Made In America”
10. Lauren Alaina – “Like My Mother Does” Continue Reading

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Charlie Daniels photo courtesy of Webster PR.

The Grand Ole Opry is returning to its most famous former home, the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The Opry began its three month winter run at the Ryman on Tuesday night with a show featuring Rascal Flatts, Rodney Atkins and more. Artists scheduled to appear at the Opry at the Ryman include Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, The Civil Wars, Marshall Tucker Band, Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Charlie Daniels and more.

Over the weekend, the Opry helped Charlie Daniels celebrate his 75th birthday with a cake before his performance. Check out the photo HERE.

During the show, Tennessee National Guard Major General Max Haston promoted Charlie to the Guard’s rank of Brigadier General. Charlie was inducted into the Opry family in 2008.  Continue Reading

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Rodney Atkins photo courtesy of Curb Records.

Last year, Halloween fell on a Sunday, which gave Rodney Atkins’ son Elijah the chance to cash in on several trick-or-treating events held over the Halloween weekend. As part of their weekend-long celebration, the Atkins family decided to go on a haunted tour of downtown Franklin, Tennessee — and one costume caught Rodney’s eye.

“I showed up at the courthouse downtown and these people were kinda dressed up — and this one girl was just over the top,” Rodney said. “I didn’t know what she was, she was all white with an umbrella and I’m thinking, ‘Who in the world is this freak?’ I start walking and I get tapped on the shoulder and she says, ‘Hey Rodney, Rodney it’s me, Jennifer Nettles…’ I think she was a jellyfish.”

Clint Black and wife Lisa Hartman Black still enjoy Halloween. Their daughter, Lily, is 10 years old and still trick-or-treating, though Clint knows her days of wanting mom and dad to go with her are numbered. While Clint isn’t looking forward to his little girl growing up, he does have hopes of returning to a former Halloween favorite – scaring people.

GAC’s Top 10 Most Haunting Country Videos >>

“I’ve always enjoyed even as an adult, getting to dress up and mostly scaring people that come around our house,” Clint says. “I had to knock it off for a little while when Lily was a certain age ’cause it scared her too. I’ll hopefully be able to get back to the scaring real soon.” Continue Reading

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Kellie Pickler (and her pumpkin likeness) on the set of Top 20 Country Countdown. Photo by Julee Cobb.

It was a ‘tough’ week on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown this week. Kellie Pickler paid a visit to talk about her new single, “Tough,” as well as the song’s video, which was inspired by Kellie’s childhood. Kellie also gave details about her upcoming album, 100 Proof, and her role on 90210. If you missed Friday’s premiere, check the schedule for re-airs throughout the week!

If you’d like to make your own Kellie Pickler pumpkin like the one in the photo, check out our Halloween section with carving templates of Kellie, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean and more!  Halloween Goes Country >>

On the chart this week, Scotty McCreery remains at the top with “I Love You This Big” while Blake Shelton has a video in two of the Top 5 slots. Several new videos are on the chart this week with Rodney Atkins’ “Take A Back Road” making the highest debut at No. 5. New videos from Eric Church and Jason Aldean are also in the Top 20 this week.

This Week’s Chart:

1. Scotty McCreery – “I Love You This Big”
2. Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood – “Remind Me”
3. Blake Shelton – “God Gave Me You”
4. Blake Shelton – “Footloose”
5. Rodney Atkins – “Take A Back Road”
6. Kellie Pickler – “Tough”
7. Lauren Alaina – “Like My Mother Does”
8. Taylor Swift – “Sparks Fly”
9. Martina McBride – “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
10. Toby Keith – “Made In America”
11. Keith Urban – “Long Hot Summer”
12. Chuck Wicks – “Old School”
13. Eric Church – “Drink In My Hand”
14. Lady Antebellum – “We Owned The Night”
15. Jake Owen – “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
16. Pistol Annies – “Hell On Heels”
17. Alan Jackson – “Long Way To Go”
18. Jason Aldean – “Tattoos On This Town”
19. The Band Perry – “All Your Life”
20. Sara Evans – “My Heart Can’t Tell You No”

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown premieres every Friday night at 8/7c with re-airs throughout the weekend. Click here for a complete schedule.

Vote daily for GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown »

Browse GAC’s All-Star Top 20 Photo Gallery »

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Rodney Atkins photo courtesy of Curb Records.

Rodney Atkins has partnered with Applebee’s to launch the world’s largest ongoing military thank you campaign to honor veterans and active duty soldiers worldwide. As the ambassador of the Thank You Movement, Rodney made the announcement on NBC’s Today Show Tuesday morning, followed by a performance for civilians, veterans and military organizations in New York’s Times Square.

5 Things You Don’t Know About Rodney Atkins >>

The Thank You Movement offers messages of gratitude to our veterans and tropps through www.thankyoumovement.com, Applebee’s Facebook Fan Page, the #thankyoumovement hashtag on Twitter and on YouTube. The Thank You Movement website will host a live rolling counter of Thank Yous which veterans and activity duty troops will be able to see at any time. Continue Reading

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