Country Music News

Wynonna Judd has a special performance coming up later this year. The singer will be taking part in the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, taking place in her home state of Kentucky.

Blake Shelton says he considers it an honor to perform at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The singer notes he's always thought it was a prestigious gig, and adds that by headlining one of the event's nightly concerts he's accomplishing a bigcareer goal.

Jamey Johnson, Mac McAnally, and Mac Davis are being honored by their home state. The country stars have been tapped for induction into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. Johnson is being added with the Alabama's Rising Star Award, in recognition ofthe critical acclaim and commercial success he's seen with his 2008 breakthrough CD "That Lonesome Song.

Lady Antebellum is back on top of the Billboard 200. The trio returns to the number one spot on the all-genre chart with "Need You Now," which sold 126-thousand copies in the past week. But Lady A isn't the only country representative in the list's top ten.

Taylor Swift now has her own app. The official Taylor Swift iPhone application features links to Facebook and Twitter. It also provides fans with notices directly to their iPhones to keep them updated whenever the singer issues new music, photos,tour dates, or other information or material.

Danny Gokey's need for corrective lenses has helped land him his first long-term endorsement deal. The singer has inked a two-year contract with the optical company Wisconsin Vision. Gokey notes that glasses are a prominent part of a person's image, and says his own sense of style has changed over the years.

Brad Paisley's maintaining a sense of humor as he recovers from his on stage fall over the weekend. The singer-guitarist has posted a picture of his nasty bruise on his Twitter page, and notes, quote, "Okay then here you go.

Alan Jackson is giving fans a chance to preview some of the material on his upcoming album, "Freight Train." A new track from the disc will be up for sale from the iTunes Store each week as the CD's March 30th release approaches.

Luke Bryan is among the Academy of Country Music Award nominees for Top New Solo Vocalist of the Year. The singer says he's pleased to be in the running for the honor along with Chris Young and Jamey Johnson, but he won't speculate on his chances of winning.

Darius Rucker is using his talents to help kids in need. The singer has announced the "Darius and Friends" concert, which will raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Rucker says he welcomes the opportunity to support the facility,noting, quote, "This was a chance for my friends and I to do something during CMA Music Fest week that is for the fans while drawing attention to St.