Suzanne Alexander & Kellie Pickler on the set of Top 20 Country Countdown. Photo by Julee Cobb.

Kellie Pickler is the special guest on this week’s Top 20 Country Countdown. She stopped by to chat with Suzanne Alexander about her new album, 100 Proof, which hit stores January 24, while Nan Kelley counts down the week’s Top 20 videos. If you missed the Friday night premiere, check the schedule for re-airs throughout the weekend.

On the chart this week, the Top 4 remain unchanged, with Scotty McCreery keeping his stronghold on the top spot. Luke Bryan trades places with Chris Young to round out the Top 5. Kenny Chesney’s latest video, “Reality,” debuts on the countdown this week, coming in at No. 20.

This Week’s Chart:

1. Scotty McCreery – “The Trouble With Girls”
2. Taylor Swift – “Ours”
3. Kellie Pickler – “Tough”
4. Katie Armiger – “Scream”
5. Luke Bryan – “I Don’t Want This Night To End”
6. Chris Young – “You”
7. Reba McEntire – “Somebody’s Chelsea”
8. Miranda Lambert – “Baggage Claim”
9. Casey James – “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night”
10. Toby Keith – “Red Solo Cup”
11. Jake Owen – “Alone With You”
12. The Band Perry – “All Your Life”
13. Sara Evans – “My Heart Can’t Tell You No”
14. Eric Church – “Drink In My Hand”
15. Blake Shelton – “Footloose”
16. Jason Aldean – “Tattoos On This Town”
17. Zac Brown Band – “Keep Me In Mind”
18. Lee Brice – “Woman Like You”
19. Justin Moore – “Bait A Hook”
20. Kenny Chesney – “Reality”

GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown premieres every Friday night at 9/8c 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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Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/hankjr.

Hank Williams Jr. – HankJr: Just came across this pic, such an honor to be on stage with these ol’ boys

Blake Shelton – BlakeShelton: There’s one thing I’ve learned this week… The only thing that’s stronger than a broken heart is opening your heart. I love you dad…

Chris Young – ChrisYoungMusic: Holy crap!!!!! 2 ACM nom’s?!?! Are you freaking kidding me!! #thisisagreatmorning

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/kelliepickler.

Kellie Pickler – KelliePickler: Me & my gang! #NYwillneverbethesame

Brad Paisley – BradPaisley: Denver is such a cool city. And thanks for singing with me @TimTebow . But don’t quit your day job pal.

Martina McBride – MartinaMcBride: If there was ever a house that needed someone to go to the grocery store…this would be it. #cupboardsarebare #pleasestopraining

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/LukeBryanOnline.

Luke Bryan – LukeBryanOnline: Luke recently stopped by SeaWorld Orlando to meet one of his biggest fans Clyde the sea lion.

The Band Perry – The BandPerry: On our way to The Land of Potatoes.

Sarah Darling – _SarahDarling: Crazy night in Nashville as I took shelter in my Shower! Not a fan of tornados!! Glad we are all safe. #tired

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/joeyandrory.

Joey + Rory – JoeyandRory: my wife, the singer/cow-whisperer… helping a new born calf this morning. Another reason I love her so much

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Lady Antebellum photo courtesy of The Green Room PR.

Lady Antebellum kicks off their Own The Night 2012 World Tour tonight, January 27, in Tulsa Oklahoma and have already sold more than half a million tickets for the tour, including sell-outs of some of the nation’s biggest arenas — the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Allstate Arena in Chicago, and American Airlines Center in Dallas.

“We have been really involved in the planning of our tour every step of the way,” Hillary Scott said. “I remember drawing out an idea for our set design on a paper plate, so to now see it come to life is just crazy. We are just so invested in every moment and making it a great experience for the fans, and we’re really excited for everything 2012 has in store.”

“It has only been four years since we were driving around in Charles’ Jeep Cherokee and sharing a hotel room,” Dave Haywood said. “This tour is what we’ve always dreamed of!”

The trio just celebrated their No. 1 back-to-back hits “We Owned The Night” and “Just A Kiss” with a party in Nashville. Their latest single, “Dancin’ Away With My Heart,” is already in the Top 20 just three weeks after its release.

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“It’s an honor to receive so much love from the Academy of Country Music after all they’ve done to support my music over the years,” Kenny said. “I can’t wait to get back on the road with my good friend Tim and throw one big spring break party all summer long.”

Blake Shelton is nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. He learned of his ACM nominations a week after losing his father, Dick Shelton. “The support I have felt this week is overwhelming,” Blake said. “Thank you everyone for this honor.”

Jason Aldean took to video to thank his fans for all of their support after learning he’s nominated for six ACMs, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year.


Jason Aldean on WhoSay

SEE THE FULL LIST OF ACM AWARDS ARTIST NOMINEES HERE >>

Reigning ACM Top New Solo Vocalist Eric Church is nominated for Video of the Year for “Homeboy” and his latest album, Chief, is up for Album of the Year. He sees the Album of the Year nod as an especially high honor.

“I’ve never minced words about the fact that my passion is making great records for the sake of the music,” he said. “The fact that the ACMs have nominated us for the album category is quite the honor and frankly the one I revere the most. “Homeboy,” both musically and visually, is a song that tells a compelling story. I have a very special place in my heart for the video, and I’m very grateful that it is getting recognized. It’s been one hell of a year!”

Chris Young woke up on a tour bus en route to his next show on Miranda Lambert’s On Fire Tour to learn he’s nominated for both Single Record of the Year for his No. 1 hit “Tomorrow” and Male Vocalist Of The Year. He also recorded a video message to share his excitement with his fans.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Montgomery Gentry received their 14th ACM nomination when their name was included in the Duo of the Year category. With a year that has brought a lot of change for the duo, they are thrilled to be recognized.

“This last year has been just unbelievable,” Eddie Montgomery said. “We have a new album that T and I are so proud of, a new label that is rockin’ and the support we’ve had from our friends at radio and on the road is just awesome.”

“We are really proud to be nominated and blessed to be living our dream for as long as we have been,” Troy Gentry added. “As always, we are truly humbled to be included in this category once again.”

Lee Brice is nominated for Song of the Year as a co-writer alongside Liz Rose for Eli Young Band’s No. 1 hit “Crazy Girl.” “Liz Rose and I were just fortunate enough to be in the same room that magical day and wrote a magical song,” Lee said. “Within a few hours, the song came together. I’m so honored to be acknowledged along with these other amazing writers.”

The ACM Awards, hosted once again by Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire, will air live from Las Vegas on April 1 at 8/7 CT on CBS .

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Keith Urban photo courtesy of Capitol Nashville.

Keith Urban celebrated “Long Hot Summer,” his 13 No. 1 single, with a summer-themed party in Nashville on Wednesday. Attendees were asked to wear their best summer clothes and were treated to a special performance by Keith and his co-writer on the song, Richard Marx. Keith also invited two YouTube fans, Patrick Woolam and Leslie Strong, after he saw their performances of “Long Hot Summer” on YouTube.

“I started playing guitar when I was about 14 years old,” Leslie said. “Music is everything for me – my release, my comfort, my communication. The thing I like the most about Keith is, of course, his guitar playing. I’ve never heard anyone else in country music that plays the way he does.”

“I’ve been a musician for fourteen years and Keith has been a huge influence of mine, not only as a guitarist but as a vocalist,” Patrick said. “I have followed the videos on KeithUrban.net for quite a while and you can see through many of those videos what a genuinely great guy he is. He truly loves and cares about his fans.”

See the No. 1 party performance!

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Long Hot Summer” wasn’t just another song for Keith and Richard. It was also about healing their relationship. “We had an ‘issue’ with each other and I learned a lot about the importance of friendship,”  Keith said. “[The song] wasn’t born of a quota to write a song. It was born of a want for us to reconnect, and the song was a by-product of that desire.”

You can see a couple of photos from Keith’s No. 1 party HERE. Keith recently released his fourth single from his Get Closer album, “You Gonna Fly.” Watch the “You Gonna Fly” video >> 

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Glen Campbell photo courtesy of Big Hassle PR

Glen Campbell, who is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, will perform on the GRAMMY Awards with Blake Shelton and The Band Perry. Glen has won five GRAMMYs over his career and is currently on the road for his Goodbye Tour after announcing last year that he has Alzheimer’s.

Blake Shelton is nominated for two GRAMMYs, including Best Country Solo Performance for “Honey Bee” and Best Country Album for Red River Blue. The Band Perry is up for Best New Artist. The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place on Sunday, February 12. The show will air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS at 8/7 CT.

Previously announced performers include Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Rihanna, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Paul McCartney and Nicki Minaj. LL Cool J will be the evening’s host.

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Bellamy Brothers photo by Mark Mosrie.

The Bellamy Brothers were the victims of vandalism and grand larceny after their rental cars and production truck were broken into on a recent video shoot in the Florida Everglades. Thieves pried open the door locks and stole an iPad, digital camera, and thousands of dollars worth of production equipment being used on the shoot.

“The police told us that most of the electronics were offered to a local pawn shop right after the theft but the owner turned the equipment down after suspecting it had been stolen,” David Bellamy said. “Fortunately, the video cameras and guitars were not taken, probably due to their size.”

The group recently spent four days in several Florida locations shooting for different music videos with Austrian pop star DJ Ötzi. The four videos were shot for upcoming collaborative releases in Europe, South Africa, Australia and Japan.

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Suzanne Alexander & Kellie Pickler on the set of Top 20 Country Countdown. Photo by Julee Cobb.

This week on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown, Kellie Pickler drops by to talk with Suzanne Alexander about her brand new album, 100 Proof, which hit stores January 24, and her current single, “Tough.” Nan Kelley will also count down this week’s Top 20 videos, voted on by you! Tune in tonight at 9/8 CT to catch Kellie and see which video tops the chart this week! Check the full schedule of all airtimes »

Read our review of Kellie Pickler’s 100 Proof >>

If you missed a few episodes of Top 20 or want to re-watch some of your favorite interviews, head over to our Top 20 section for videos, photos and more! You can also catch a few Top 20 Extras, cast your votes, and take a look at the current chart to see where your favorite videos land. Visit Top 20 >>

Remember, GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown is chosen by you, the viewers. Be sure to head over to our voting page and cast your votes daily for your favorite videos!

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Kenny Chesney photo by Danny Clinch, courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Nominations were announced today for the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards­, a star-studded event produced for television by dick clark productions broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8 p.m. live ET/delayed PT on CBS.

Nominees were announced online via the first-ever ACM digital press conference this morning on the Academy’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  Awards co-host Reba participated with a video message to kick things off and entertainment superstars Lionel Richie, who will be honored during a special taping of ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends In Concert in April (to air at a later date on CBS), Beth Behrs (2 Broke Girls), Nancy O’Dell (Entertainment Tonight), Michael Ausiello (TVLine.com) announced batches of nominations in video postings during the approximately 20 minute online event which culminated in music fans announcing the nominees for the Academy’s biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year, a privilege fans embraced for the first time ever by submitting videos naming their favorite artist.   Fans from around the country announced Entertainer of the Year nominees Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift.

As previously announced, Blake Shelton will join forces with country music star Reba to host the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards for the second consecutive year.

For the fifth year, fans will select the winner of the Academy’s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year, and for the fourth year, the New Artist of the Year category will also be opened up to fan voting. Nominees for New Artist of the Year were not announced in the press conference today because fan voting for those semi-finalists will close on January 30. The winners of Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year will be announced live during the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Kenny Chesney leads with nine nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, a category he has won four times since 2004.  He is nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, a category he has been nominated in nine times previously.  He is twice nominated for Album of the Year for Hemingway’s Whiskey, as both artist and producer, and also earned double nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year as both artist and producer for “You And Tequila” with Grace Potter. Kenny is also nominated for Song of the Year for “You And Tequila” with Grace Potter.

SEE THE FULL LIST OF ACM AWARDS ARTIST NOMINEES HERE >>

Jason Aldean is nominated for six awards, including his second consecutive nods for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.  He is nominated for Album of the Year for My Kinda Party, and has nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” featuring Kelly Clarkson.  He is nominated for Video of the Year for “Tattoos On This Town.”

Lady Antebellum leads group nominations with five nods, including Vocal Group of the Year, which they have won for two consecutive years.  They are also nominated for Album of the Year as artists and producers for Own The Night, and for Song of the Year and Video of the Year for “Just A Kiss.”

Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Brad Paisley, is nominated for four awards, including his fifth consecutive nomination for Entertainer of the Year and eighth nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year, which he has won five times consecutively between 2006-2010.  He received two nominations in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “Old Alabama” with Alabama and “Remind Me” with Carrie Underwood.

Toby Keith received three nominations for “Red Solo Cup,” including Video of the Year, which he last won in 2003 for “Beer For My Horses.”  He also received a double nomination as artist and producer for Single Record of the Year for “Red Solo Cup.” Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill is also nominated for Nightclub of the Year (a nod that is not among Keith’s total nominations count, because it is awarded to the venue itself not its owners).

Reigning Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift, leads solo female nominees with three nominations, including her third consecutive nod for Entertainer of the Year.  If Taylor wins Entertainer of the Year, this will be her second consecutive win in that category. Taylor is nominated for the fifth time for Female Vocalist of the Year, and for the third time for Video of the Year for “Mean.”

First-time ACM nominee, Grace Potter, received three nominations for “You And Tequila” with Kenny Chesney, in the Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year categories.

Eli Young Band has three nominations including Vocal Group of the Year, as well as Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Crazy Girl.”

Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Aaron Lewis, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Chris Young all received two nominations each.

The Academy of Country Music’s professional membership select the nominees and winners of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, and select the final top five nominees of the Entertainer of the Year category and the eight semi-finalists in the New Artist of the Year category. Presenters and performers who will appear at the ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Fan voting for New Artist of the Year began at VoteACM.com and GACtv.com/ACM on January 16, 2012 and will close on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 12 noon ET/9 a.m. PT, after which nominees in that category will be announced separately.  Fan voting for New Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year begins on March 19, 2012 at 9 a.m. ET/12 noon PT at VoteACM.com. Fan voting for New Artist of the Year will close at 5 p.m. PT on April 1, 2012 (before the LIVE show starts) and fan voting for Entertainer of the Year will close during the third hour of the LIVE broadcast.

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Trace Adkins photo courtesy of Show Dog-Universal Music.

Trace Adkins has announced the Songs & Stories Tour, a series of intimate theater shows across the United States. Every night, Trace will share the stories, both humorous and meaningful, behind his hit songs. The tour kicks off March 8 in Des Moines, Iowa.

“I’ve had many narrow escapes and blessings in my life,” Trace said. “The right song at the right time has been my saving grace and that’s something I have in common with the audience. Sharing meaningful songs, stories and some laughs ‘around the campfire’ is the country music tradition and I’m looking forward to it.”

Fans are encouraged to share their own stories, questions and the songs that have inspired their lives on the Songs & Stories page of Trace’s website.

SONGS & STORIES TOUR DATES (MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED):

March 8                       Des Moines IA            Hoyt Sherman Place
March 9                       Kansas City MO          The Midland by AMC
March 10                     Peoria IL                      Civic Theater
March 15                     Milwaukee WI             Riverside Theater
March 16                     Rochester MN              Mayo Civic Theater
March 17                     Grand Forks ND          Chester Fritz Auditorium
March 22                     Birmingham AL           Alabama Theatre
April 12                       Ashland KY                 Paramount Arts Center
April 14                       Toledo OH                   Stranahan Theater
April 18                       Louisville KY              The Palace Theater
April 19                       Spartanburg SC            Memorial Hall
April 20                       Charlotte NC                Ovens Auditorium
April 25                       Denver CO                  Paramount Theater
April 27                       Salina KS                     Stiefel Theater
April 28                       Tulsa OK                     Brady Theater
May 3                          N. Charleston SC         North Charleston Performing Arts Center
May 4                          Savannah GA              Mercer Theater
May 10                        Davenport IA              Adler Theatre
May 11                        South Bend IN            Morris PAC
May 12                        Memphis TN               Orpheum Theatre
May 17                        Atlanta GA                  Cobb Theater

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