J.D.'s Dirt- 7/30

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

RASCAL FLATTS SIGN WITH BIG MACHINE RECORDS. During a press conference yesterday morning, Rascal Flatts announced they have signed with Big Machine records which is also home to Taylor Swift. The news came after the groups previous label, Lyric Street Records, announced they will be closing. Gary Levox can’t wait for what the future holds with Big Machine. “I don’t think you could pick up the excitement on the microphones to be real honest about where we are today. The future is going to be incredible. And like Joe Don said earlier, it feels like ten months, not ten years. And we’re really just getting going. I mean, we’re so pumped it’s unbelievable. I mean really, it’s great!”  During the press conference Jay De Marcus also announced he and his wife Allison, will welcome a baby girl to their family.  “Just what I need, another girl in the house. [Gary LeVox] Garietta Don. [Jay] Yeah, Garietta Don Demarcus! (laughs) [Joe Don Rooney] Welcome to the family. I’m excited about being a father and trying to as well as these guys have done. I know I’ll do better than Gary but trying to as well as… (laughs)” Rascal Flatts’ first song with Big Machine Records is an up tempo tune called "Why Wait." Their album Nothing Like This will arrive in stores November 16^th. 

BLAKE SHELTON HOSTS LIVE WEB-CHAT WITH CMT.COM. This Sunday evening, Blake Shelton will be hosting a live chat with CMT.com at 7PM Eastern. Blake is excited to chat with fans about anything of their choice, and is hoping to hear from his dear friends at PETA.  “It’s fun for me to interact with the fans and then the next thing you know, there’s haters are out there getting involved. And especially my friends at PETA. (laughs) Which all that really does, it’s nothing more than kindergarten. All that does is age me on to be more ornery.”  Fans can log on to CMT.com or BlakeShelton.com to hear what Blake has to say. Blake’s All About Tonight Six Pak will be available in stores August 10^th.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD GUSHES OVER MARRIED LIFE. Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher’s wedding and honeymoon may be over, but the couple is still in a state of just-married bliss. Carrie blogged on her fansite, "I'm a married lady now! Married life is pretty much like dating life. My husband is back in Canada...story of my life!" After a wedding at the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia, and an eight day honeymoon in Bora Bora, followed by three days in Napa Valley, Carrie believes her life can’t get any better. “I know how blessed I am. I know how special these things are. There is nothing in the world that I could possibly ask for because you can't add to perfection!”

KENNY CHESNEY TO DEBUT NEW MUSIC VIDEO ON ESPN. Kenny Chesney’s music video for his new single “The Boys of Fall” will make its world premiere on ESPN’s SportCenter Monday, August 2^nd. The video will air just before noon Eastern Time, followed by another airing at 2PM Eastern Time. On Tuesday August 3^rd, the eight-minute version of the music video will be available on CMT. “The Boys of Fall” is the debut single from Kenny’s forthcoming album, Hemingway’s Whiskey, which will be released on September 28^th.

MIKE FISHER OPENS-UP ABOUT BIG DAY. Though Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher had over 230 guests at their wedding in Georgia on July 10^th, Mike tells OK! Magazine not everyone who was invited was able to attend. “A couple of her close friends are touring now, so they obviously weren’t able to be there, but she had all her close people that she wanted to be there, and I did too,” Mike says. Kellie Pickler, Brad Paisley, and Miranda Lambert each had shows the day of the wedding. The wedding ceremony was followed by an 11-day honeymoon in Bora Bora and Napa Valley, and Mike admits that was the longest time he and Carrie have had off from their busy schedules. Their schedules are also the main reason the couple has decided to put family life on hold. “We obviously want kids, but that’s down the road,” he said. “Now is not the time, especially with our busy schedules, everything we’ve got going on. We don’t know exactly when, but definitely we will.”

SUGARLAND CASTS NBC STAR IN NEW MUSIC VIDEO. Sugarland has filmed their music video for their new single “Stuck Like Glue,” and cast actor Ryan McPartlin to play Jennifer Nettles’ love interest. Ryan who plays “Devon” on NBC’s show Chuck is also known as “Captain Awesome.” Jennifer tells Entertainment Weekly, “He’s the perfect guy. He’s the perfect boyfriend, he’s the perfect athlete. We thought that would be a funny twist. He fits the profile. Very handsome. And he’s a good actor as well, and also a nice guy.” The video revolves around a relationship where Jennifer plays a stalker, and Kristian Bush acts as her accomplice. “The twist on the video is it’s in this world in this crazy woman’s head where she thinks she is in this type of relationship with this person, and is stuck with him, and stuck on him, and in her mind, they are inseparable. In his mind, she is a crazy lunatic.” Sugarland’s fourth studio album, The Incredible Machine hits stores October 19^th.

JIMMY WAYNE TO COMPLETE MEET ME HALFWAY WALK THIS WEEKEND. Jimmy Wayne is getting closer to his destination of Phoenix after raising awareness for homeless teens, and has met many special people along the way. Even though many of those people are considered homeless, Jimmy wants others to understand that doesn’t mean their incompetent.“You know when you talk to some of these people, they aren’t dumb at all. They get treated like they’re dumb. The dumb people are the ones who ignore him.” Jimmy will arrive in Mesa, Arizona on Saturday and give a free concert celebrating the walk at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill. Sunday morning, Jimmy will cross the finish line at HomeBase Youth Services in Phoenix, and fans are encouraged to walk the last half mile with him.

CRAIG MORGAN CREATES FRIENDSHIP WITH MIKE FISHER. Craig Morgan has gotten to know Carrie Underwood’s new husband Mike Fisher quite well after touring with Carrie on her Play On tour. The two made plans to enjoy outdoor activities together in August.  “He’s a guy’s guy. I like the guy. I started to say I love the guy. But I love the guy and he’s a real guys-guy. I mean, he’s the kind of guy I could get in a fight with. You know, we could go fishing together and we could hang. Just a cool guy.” After Mike’s hockey career is over, he plans to call Nashville home, so it will be nice for him to have a friend like Craig in town.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD’S FIRST PERFORMANCE SINCE WEDDING. Carrie Underwood delivered a half-hour set during her Grand Ole Opry appearance on Tuesday night at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. It was her first performance since her wedding to hockey player Mike Fisher. Carrie has been an Opry member since 2008, and on Tuesday she performed “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Undo It” and several more hits.

DARRYL WORLEY’S 9^TH ANNUAL TENNESSEE RIVER RUN. Darryl Worley has announced the 9^th Annual Tennessee River Run will take place this year on September 16^th through September 18^th near his hometown of Savannah, Tennessee. The festival has expanded over the years, and this year the tournament features a golf tournament, a 5K walk, a motorcycle poker run, a rock concert with headliner Marshall Tucker Band, and will conclude with a concert by Danny Gokey and Darryl himself. “This Tennessee River Run has just grown and grown. It’s all over I mean you can talk about it all over the country and people know what it is. That blows my mind. (laughs) It really is weird. I’ll be out on the west coast and I’ll bring it up and people will go, ‘We went there, two years ago.’ And I’m like wow!” The events will take place at various locations in West Tennessee, and proceeds will benefit the Darryl Worley Foundation which provides assistance to numerous organizations and individuals in need in the West Tennessee area.

LEE BRICE HONORED BY LADY ANTEBELLUMS “LOVE LIKE CRAZY” SPOOF. This week, Lee Brice’s hit “Love Like Crazy” was “Lady Hazed” in Lady Antebellum’s Webisode Wednesday video. The trio spoofed his song, and changed the lyrics to revolve around a meal at a Waffle House. The song is appropriately labeled, “Biscuits and Gravy.” Lee says, “This is really funny, and I am honored that Lady A decided to tackle my song. I understand that mine is the second song they’ve spoofed and only two songs in, they’ve perfected the craft. Hey guys, how about a writing session in the next few weeks?” To check out Lady A’s latest Webisode Wednesday, visit ladyantebellum.com.

LUKE BRYAN GOES PIGEON HUNTING. Luke Bryan filmed his latest installment of Luke Bryan TV after his bus broke down in Sauk Center, Minnesota on his birthday. Luke and his crew were supposed to be on their way to Canada, but instead they went pigeon hunting with a couple of local guys they met at a bar. The group headed to an abandoned area where they set a duck decoy, and managed to shoot down three pigeons during their hunt. The video concludes with Luke picking-up bullet shells in cow poop. Luke says, “It smells like America…It smells like freedom.” To catch Luke’s video, visit lukebryan.com.

DARIUS RUCKER SIGNS WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING AGREEMENT. Universal Music Publishing Group has announced the signing of a worldwide publishing agreement with Darius Rucker. The agreement encompasses all of his writing for his country debut album Learn to Live, as well as his future solo work including, his upcoming album Charleston, SC 1966, due out on October 12^th. Pat Higdon, President of Universal Music Publishing Group says, “We are so excited to add Darius Rucker to our roster of chart-topping songwriters. He is a great singer and a gifted songwriter and has quickly carved his own niche with Country music fans. ”

WYNONNA JUDD HONORED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN NASHVILLE. Wynonna Judd will receive The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award for 2010 on August 24^th. She is being recognized for her endless contributions to the Nashville community as well as helping future generations who wish to pursue a career in the music industry. The evening will include musical tributes from Wynonna’s friends, as well as a proclamation from U.S. Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn. A spokesperson for the Cecil Scaife Visionary Award says, “Wynonna personifies the spirit of this award. She has given so generously of her heart, talent and time to help the next generation realize a better life and better chance at success through her work with youth in our community and students pursuing a career in the music industry.”

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

• LEO DROPS OUT OF MEL MOVIE! Leonardo DiCaprio has withdrawn from the new film about Vikings set to be directed by Mel Gibson. MTV News is reporting that sources close to Leo say he will not be starring in the flick because “Leo has earned the right to pick and choose who he works with,” and he chooses not to work with Mel Gibson. Check out more over at MTVNews.com.
• LINDSAY LOHAN THERAPY! We spoke with Don Grant, director of admissions at the L-A rehabilitation facility, Harmony Place, all about rehab and what it’ll be like for Lindsay Lohan once she’s released from jail. Grant gave us his views on whether it’s better for Lindsay to go home before she does her 90 day rehab stint or if she should head straight to the facility. We’ll keep you updated on Lindsay’s progress throughout her transition from jail to rehab.
• MICHAEL’S SONG TO LINDSAY LOHAN! Lindsay Lohan’s estranged father, Michael Lohan, has written and produced a song for his daughter. Mr. Lohan got a friend to perform the tune he penned for his imprisoned daughter and lucky (or unlucky) for us, TMZ has posted the audio track on their website. Check out the overly synthesized, sappy track at TMZ.com now.
  • DIRECT LINK: http://tmz.vo.llnwd.net/o28/newsdesk/tmz_audio/072810_lilo_song.mp3

• CHRIS KLEIN STAYS IN REHAB! Chris Klein is extending his time in rehab. Klein has been at the Cirque Lodge in Utah since June 21^st and has announced he will stay longer than his 30-day treatment program. It’s unknown how much longer he will remain, but you can find more info at People.com.
• CHELSEA CLINTON’S WEDDING! Chelsea Clinton is getting married tomorrow in Rhinebeck, New York and according to TMZ, so many important politically figures are expected to be there, including her parents, that a temporary “no fly zone” has been issued for the air space above her nuptials until 3:30 AM Sunday morning. Check out TMZ for more.
  • TIDBIT: TMZ has previously reported that Clinton’s wedding is such a classy affair that they’re spending 15-thousand dollars on porta-potties alone.

• OBAMA ON THE VIEW! President Barack Obama appeared on The View this week and the ladies quizzed him about all things pop culture, as well as some political stuff. Obama did know that Lindsay Lohan was in jail, wouldn’t comment on Mel Gibson and admitted that he didn’t know who Jersey Shore cast member Snooki was. He also revealed that while Jay-Z and Frank Sinatra tunes are on his iPod, Justin Bieber’s music is not. Check out a clip from the president over at EOnline.com.
• MICHAEL JACKSON DOCTORS IN THE CLEAR! Entertainment Tonight is reporting that seven doctors who treated pop star Michael Jackson will not face charges related to his death. Investigators have chosen not to press charges against the physicians, but they are still going ahead with the involuntary manslaughter charges against Dr. Conrad Murray, who was Jackson’s personal doctor.
• SHARK WEEK!! The 23^rd annual Shark Week kicks off this Sunday on The Discovery Channel and Jeff Kurr’s documentary, Ultimate Air Jaws, kicks the week off Sunday night at 9 PM.  Tune in Sunday at 9 PM Eastern to The Discovery Channel to see the beginning of Shark Week.
• CLOONEY’S LADY IN COCAINE SCANDAL! Radar Online is reporting that George Clooney’s girlfriend, Elisabetta Canalis, has been accused of doing cocaine with a escort in Italy. Elisabeth was mentioned as one of the VIPs who would get free drugs when she was at clubs, and the escort mentioned her by name in her testimony.
• MODERN FAMILY’S NAKED AD CAMPAIGN! Modern Family has launched a new “for your consideration” campaign in hopes of winning an Emmy at this year’s awards show. In their new ad, they promise the show’s own Sofia Vergara will streak down Sunset Boulevard if they win. The catch is, there’s a footnote explaining that another cast member may fill in for Sofia at any time…so fans may not get to enjoy Sofia’s naked bod after all. Check out Blog.Zap2It.com for more.
• JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT’S NEW MAN! Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt has a new man in her life. According to Us Weekly, the actress is now dating actor/director Alex Beh after splitting with actor Jamie Kennedy in March. Hewitt has also dated Carson Daly, John Mayer and was engaged to Scottish actor Ross McCall back in 2007.
• GWYNETH PALTROW TALKS OSCAR! Gwyneth Paltrow has had quite an impressive career so far and we’ll next get to see the actress in the new flick Country Strong, where she’ll plays a country singer. Make sure to check out Paltrow in Country Strong when it hits theaters on December 22^nd.  Meanwhile, you can hear Paltrow sing the flick’s title-track song over at TheBoot.com now and pick up the soundtrack on October 26^th.