http://www.kix106online.com

Kenny Chesney is set to play Tuscaloosa, Ala., on May 25, a stop on his hugely popular Goin’ Coastal tour. The country superstar has announced he will donate all of his fees from the show, as well as those earned by his band, management and booking representatives, to support the victims of the April 27 tornado that devastated the city. The fees will be donated to GiveTuscaloosa.com, a clearinghouse for local charities and social services founded specifically to address the needs of those affected by the disaster.

Although he initially considered postponing the date, Kenny was convinced by Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox that the concert would prove helpful to the community, both emotionally and as a way to help raise funds. “When we first heard about this tragedy we were stunned, as we have so many fans in the area and have enjoyed every visit that we’ve made there over the years,” says Kenny. “But Mayor Maddox convinced us that this is a great opportunity to bring the people of Tuscaloosa together in a positive way, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help them in this way.”

“Thanks to the resilience and compassion of our community, the city of Tuscaloosa is in the process of healing,” says Mayor Maddox. “On this road to recovery, the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater plans to host Kenny Chesney on May 25th as scheduled. As we respond to one of the worst natural disasters in our state’s history, we refuse to let April 27th define our future and hosting Kenny Chesney is another step forward to a new tomorrow. On behalf of the City of Tuscaloosa, I want to thank Kenny and his team for their generosity and compassion. It is the kindness of others that will carry us through as we rebuild Tuscaloosa.”

Carrie Underwood, much to the surprise of fellow former students, attended Checotah High’s 10-year high school reunion in Oklahoma this past Saturday night. 

When Underwood left Checotah High in 2001, she left her mark as the class salutatorian. When she returned, she came back as Carrie Underwood-Fisher: ‘American Idol’ winner, platinum-selling recording artist and proud Grammy Award owner. 

Understandably, that’s a lot for her high school peers to live up to, but nevertheless, attendees maintained that Underwood is as down-to-earth as ever. “At Checotah High Class of 2001 HS Reunion and Carrie Underwood IS here. More beautiful in person and friendly,” one woman tweeted, in addition to giving us the photo you see above (in which Carrie is pictured in the center, wearing a floral dress). 

We’re relieved to hear that Ms. Underwood hasn’t let the bright lights of Nashville get the best of her, and that now, at 28-years-old, she still remembers her roots as an Oklahoma girl.

Carrie Underwood is one of the most famous voices in country music, but when she’s not performing, her professional athlete husband, Mike Fisher, is happy to take “center” stage, literally. The Nashville Predators center is currently battling it out for the Stanley Cup with his teammates. 

While she is fiercely proud of her spouse, Carrie had a steep learning curve when they started dating. “I’m from Oklahoma. We’re all about football and stuff like that there,” she explains. “We had a very, very, very minor league team that I never saw play, so this has been a whole new world to me. Fortunately I have a lot of friends who were able to help me along for the first few months of me learning.” With her husband now playing in Music City, after being traded by the Ottawa Senators mid-season, the new bride attends as many games as possible. “It’s obviously been a little easier since we’re in Nashville now,” she explains. “I was on tour last year, so I missed pretty much all the stuff in 2010, but I’d say [I went to] 10 or 15 games.” 

The Predators’ contention for the Stanley Cup is causing a little bit of friction on the home front — literally — thanks to a pact by the team players to all grow beards during the play-offs. “We’re almost at the point where we’re having kissing refusal, because it hurts! It hurts my face,” she acknowledges. “There’s actually a lot of really good-looking players on the Predators team, and now they all look like mountain men.” 

His facial hair isn’t the only source of tension inside their home. “He’s not the nicest guy either,” Carrie admits about her dedicated husband. “He’s focused on game day, and then with the beard, I’m like, ‘Baby, you look mean, so you need to work on being a little extra nice to make up for the beard.’” 

The playoff beard is no longer an issue as the Predators were officially eliminated from the NHL playoffs last night following a 2-1 loss to Vancouver.

What do country darlings Taylor Swift and Julianne Hough have in common with the newly-minted Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, actress Megan Fox and model Bar Rafael? Their good looks have earned them all a spot on Maxim’s Hot 100 list for 2011. Taylor is the highest country star on the countdown, coming in at No. 20, while Julianne claims the 48th slot.

Actress and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is Maxim’s No. 1 hottie, followed by actress and model Olivia Munn at No. 2 and singer Katy Perry rounding out the top three. Other beauties on the list include Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, Natalie Portman, Kim Kardashian, Vanessa Hudgens, Nicki Minaj, Whitney Port and Erin Andrews. 

Taylor and Julianne have appeared on Maxim’s annual Hot 100 list the last four years in a row. This year, Taylor jumped 11 positions, from landing at No. 31 last year, while Julianne fell three spots from her previous ranking at No. 45.

The blond beauties also joined actress Gwyneth Paltrow, as well as Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert and Kellie Pickler on Maxim’s ranking of Hottest Women of Country Music earlier this year.

A Wisconsin hair salon owner is missing her signature storefront sculpture: a fiberglass hand shaped like a chair with images of country star Keith Urban.

 Urban Style owner Denise Mackey-Natz says the hand was unbolted from its concrete block outside her store and stolen last month.

Urban heard about the theft and called Mackey-Natz. He’s offering four tickets and four VIP passes to any show on his “Get Closer World Tour” to anyone with information that leads to finding the hand. The salon is offering a $200 reward.

Mackey-Natz suspects college students stole it as a prank but says she just wants it back because it is so close to her heart.

She bought the hand three years ago for $2,500 to benefit the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire.

Even before President Obama made the official announcement that a Navy SEAL team of military operatives killed al Qaeda leader and the mastermind behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Osama bin Laden, on Sunday (May 1), Twitter was ablaze with comments from around the world and continued well into Monday. Country stars, many of whom have either served in the military or entertained the troops on USO and Stars for Stripes tours, were leading the charge with thanks and praise for those wearing a military uniform.   

Toby Keith is wrapping up his ninth consecutive tour of the Persian Gulf. After learning the news, the singer-songwriter took to his Facebook page to share his thoughts: “It’s a great day to be an American. I been tellin’ ya for a decade that the US military would hunt down and kill world enemy #1! While traveling abroad, I am blown away by the positive coverage by the world media. There IS a consensus in the world media I have never seen before. Thanks to our commander-in-chief for having the cajones to finish this job, but the mission is far from over.”  

“I think I speak for Eddie [Montgomery] as well as myself to say that we are beyond proud of the people that made this happen,” Montgomery Gentry’s Troy Gentry wrote on the duo’s Facebook page. “Our country needed this after all of the sacrifices made by our military, members of fire and rescue, and families of those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and since 9/11.”  

A Navy veteran himself, James Otto just returned from a USO tour a few weeks ago. “I just think it’s incredible news. I think it’s something we’ve wanted for more than 10 years now,” he tells The Boot exclusively. “Before 9/11, he was one of the most wanted [terrorists]. My first thoughts were of how proud I am of our military. They got the job done, and especially being a Navy boy, that it was the Navy SEALs that went in there and took care of business.  “It’s a huge boost for morale. Those guys and gals are over there busting their butts and have been for years, and they’re away from their families,” James continues. “And to be able to say at the end of the day, ‘we did the job that we went there to do,’ that’s a great feeling. All those men and women over there that we saw when we were on our USO trip a couple of weeks ago, I know that they’re all stoked and they feel the same sense of pride that I do … This is a moment that America has waited for, that we needed, that we deserved, and to see it happen lifts a lot of spirits. It’s going to help us battle what’s to come.”  James says the morale was somewhat low among the troops during his recent USO trek. “They were getting ready to leave the country at the end of the year, and so there was a lot of wondering if they were leaving the job unfinished,” notes the singer-songwriter. “And now I know that they feel excited. But I could tell the morale was not as high as you would want it to be. They’ve been over there a long time, and I think there was a sense of leaving things undone.”  

Craig Morgan served 11 years active service in the U.S. Army and several years as a reservist. During his years of service, he joined the airborne division, became a rappel master and paratrooper and helped train elite combat units. He participated in Operation Just Cause, the U.S. military operation that removed Panama’s Manuel Noriega from power. As a country artist, he has also been on numerous trips overseas to entertain the troops, and he feels Sunday night’s news was a huge victory against terrorism. “It is a great day … the end of a terrorist whose actions have taken so many lives,” said Craig following the news of Osama bin Laden’s death. “However, we must not waver on the war against terror and those who support it.”  

Kellie Pickler has been on a handful of USO Tours over the past few years, having recently returned from her third trip, along with her husband Kyle Jacobs, but there is nothing like the first time. “It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Kellie explains. “It was so life-changing. I learned so much, and I have such a better understanding of what’s going on in the world. It was just so amazing to be able to take a little piece of home to the men and women that are serving our country.” 

“I was watching ‘Celebrity Apprentice,’ and the greatest news interrupted it, which was the most murdering b—–d in the history of the world, for our generation anyway, is gone and in Hell where he belongs,” John Rich told Chicago radio station, US99 Country (WUSN) on Monday. “At the end of the day, I would like to say to our veterans out there, ‘Thank you for all of your service … We got this guy! I know the country feels thankful to you and beholden to you for doing your job.’”  

The following are from artists’ individual Twitter accounts:  Darryl Worley (@DarrylWorley): “I revel in the fact that the murdering b—-d will burn in hell for an eternity. Hail to the families who have sacrificed loved ones … God bless the US military. This could inspire the nation to turn things around and get back on track. I hope I get to shake the hands of the troops that took him out. These are America’s finest and they never get recognized for what they do … Don’t mess with the USA! We will hunt you down and kill your sorry ass. I’m gonna have a drink.” 

Reba McEntire (@Reba): “This is history! You’ll be telling your grandkids about this one day!” 

Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley): “Just when I was thinking there’s just no good TV on Sundays with no @NASCAR race, thank you Navy Seals!! Amen to giving our military heroes props tomorrow. And putting the flag out & waving it with gratitude … I really love these rare moments when we feel like one united country … If you see someone in a military uniform tomorrow, for heaven’s sake give them a hug. Or a drink. Or a new car.” 

Blake Shelton (@BlakeShelton): “Hey Toby!!!!! We finally put the boot in that ass!!!!!” 

Blake Shelton: “Ok … I’m starting to feel guilty about all those things I tweeted last night about Bin Laden … JUST KIDDING! Burn Baby Burn Disco Inferno!!” 

Martina McBride (@MartinaMcBride): “God bless America and our Armed Forces.” 

Sara Evans (@SaraEvansMusic) “Just can’t say enough how proud I am of the USA! God bless America!” 

James Otto (@JamesOtto): “This would never have happened without the sacrifice of all our men & woman! God Only Knows Where We’d Be Without Soldiers & Jesus!” 

Chris Young (@ChrisYoung): “All that needs to be said… #USA” Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus): “Just saw the news! OSAMA BIN LADEN is dead !!! How crazy is that ! Only in my life could I be at FT Hood on the night this happened.” 

LeAnn Rimes (@leannrimes): “Omg, Bin Laden!!! Blessings to our troops and a bit of peace for our country and those who lost loved ones in 9/11.” 

Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline): “Finally justice!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to all those families who have suffered since 9/11. Go USA!!!!” 

Billy Currington (@billycurrington): “Today no doubt is a great day. so much gratitude for our military. bad a$$ mf’s. another dream came true.” 

Jaron and the Long Road to Love (@JaronATLRTL): A proud day for the men and women of our military, their families and all Americans. Awesome. Really Awesome.”

Blake Shelton has had it pretty easy when it comes to planning his upcoming wedding to Miranda Lambert. He has said that his only job was to arrange the music at the reception, which he has completed. The rest is basically up to his bride-to-be and her wedding coordinators (which includes her mom). However, there is one other item Miranda has asked of the groom when it comes to details about the actual nuptials, and that’s basically to keep his mouth shut! 

“It’s one thing when your record label [publicist] tells you, ‘Hey, don’t talk about this or that, because of these reasons.’ Sometimes I forgot that she says those things, and I’ll just blab about it,” Blake says. “It’s another thing when your fiancée is Miranda Lambert and she says, ‘Don’t talk about this or that!’ I take that a little more seriously, because the wrath is pretty bad.” 

“So, I think the Neal McCoy thing is OK for me to talk about, and what else?,” Blake ponders before adding a few other not-so-secret details. “May 14 is the date, and it’s in Texas, and there is a honeymoon.” 

As the singer has previously revealed, Neal and his band are performing at what is sure to be a star-studded reception, and he felt he could not have secured anyone more appropriate for the party. “I don’t think we could’ve gone to Las Vegas and found the most entertaining person there and got anybody funnier or got a crowd going better than Neal McCoy,” Blake notes. “Mostly he’s just a friend, and I felt [strange] asking him to play at the wedding, because he’s still Neal McCoy, even though he’s a buddy to me. When we asked him, I think he was kind of shocked that we thought of him, but he said he was honored to do it. So, I can’t wait to see what he’s got prepared for that night.” 

With all of that said and done, Blake is just happy to be marrying his best friend. He’s crazy about Miranda, but not too crazy about weddings and all of the details that surround them. “Here’s the thing — I am thrilled to be married to Miranda Lambert, but I don’t give a crap about weddings,” he laughs. “So, it’s a big deal to her, and I’m excited for her, but I don’t have a lot of input because I don’t have a lot of ideas about it. Every wedding I’ve ever gone to, I’ve either fallen asleep or been so miserable that I had my iPod in and nobody knew it, or I was playing Angry Birds on my phone. Even if it’s your wedding, if you’re a guy, it’s boring. So, I’m excited about the actual ceremony to happen, because after that, the reception is going to be a party, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Taylor Swift has taken the world by storm since she landed her record deal with Big Machine Records and released her self-titled debut album back in 2006. The album was eventually certified five-times platinum. Its follow-up, 2008′s ‘Fearless,’ has now sold nearly 10 million copies and earned the country darling four Grammy awards, including the all-genre Album of the Year honors. ‘Speak Now,’ Taylor‘s third studio album released in October 2010, sold more than one million units in its first week and is soon to be certified four-times platinum. In short, Taylor has become music’s biggest superstar in a matter of less than five years. Still, it’s hard to remember when the multi-talented, singer-songwriter wasn’t a household name.  

Taylor remembers very well being a brand-new artist waiting to hear herself on the radio and knows exactly where she was when she heard herself on the airwaves for the very first time. “I was 16, and the Big 98 [WSIX] in Nashville played ‘Tim McGraw’ in a song challenge one evening,” explains Taylor. “My high school friends and I all sat in my convertible with the top down in my driveway and blasted it. Then, listeners called in and said whether they liked it or not, and I remember being more nervous than I’d ever been. Thankfully they said nice things. I’ll never forget that feeling!” 

The Pennsylvania native wasn’t comfortable sharing her singing ambitions with her friends until her parents moved her to Hendersonville, Tenn. ” I moved there when I was in the end of my eighth grade year,” recalls Taylor. “I remember back in Pennsylvania, it was kind of an oddity that I loved music and I was really trying to pursue it … almost to the point where it set me apart from other kids and I spent a lot of time alone. But when I moved to Hendersonville, they didn’t think it was a weird thing at all that I loved music that much. Their neighbors were producers and their dad was a songwriter, so it wasn’t such a big deal to them that I was so immersed in music. I loved that.”

The royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton has been making headlines around the world, and as the clock ticks closer to the actual fairytale event, some of country music’s top stars are weighing in — or sounding off — about the nuptials taking place at London’s Westminster Abbey this morning. 

Having a “country royal” wedding of her own in a couple of weeks, Miranda Lambert is excited about watching the the prince and his bride-to-be get married. “Starting the countdown to the royal wedding,” she tweeted late Wednesday night. “And even tho I have a show, I WILL be up at 5:00 am to watch every second of it!” She has admitted in recent days she is “obsessed with the royal wedding.”  

The very fashionable Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town is fascinated with what Kate will be wearing when she says “I do” to Prince William, so she will definitely be getting up early to catch all the television coverage. “It’s so interesting the choices that she’s making fashion-wise, and I’m kind of a fashion junkie,” Karen says. “So, watching her almost mimic Diana — [such as] the royal blue announcement dress that she wore? Everybody wanted that dress, and I can’t wait to see what she wears at the wedding. She’s making really classy choices.” Apparently, after being engaged, Kate has worn at least eight outfits patterned after William’s late mother, Diana. “I think it’s kind of cool because she’s paying respect,” Karen adds. 

Kellie Pickler, however, has a differing opinion on all of the excitement and scrutiny the young couple is having to experience. A newlywed herself, she and songwriter husband Kyle Jacobs eloped, as opposed to going through more of the stress of making the ceremony “perfect.” “I feel so sorry for them,” Kellie says. “I feel so sorry that on the most important, most beautiful day of their life, it has to be just an open book to the whole world. I mean, they deserve to have their intimate ceremony to their close ones and loved ones. It’s so sad that they get stalked by the paparazzi and the media the way they do. I couldn’t imagine. I know what it’s like on my end, and it’s not even in comparison to what they have to go through.” “I couldn’t imagine not being able to run away and marry my best friend, because that’s what it’s about. You’re making a covenant with God, and it’s about you and your groom or your bride and God, and that’s it,” Kellie continues. “It’s such a shame that people will not give them their privacy, and they’re more concerned with what the hell she’s wearing than the fact she’s getting ready to marry her best friend. I just think it’s so sad that people do not respect them and give them their privacy in that sacred moment.”

Here’s your first look at the cover art and track list for Ronnie Dunn’s self-titled album, which hits shelves June 7. The project is Ronnie’s first solo music in 25 years and comes less than a year after his amicable split from musical partner Kix Brooks.

Ronnie wrote or co-wrote nine of the album’s 12 tracks, with a who’s-who list of famed co-writers including Craig Wiseman, Dallas Davidson, Terry McBride and Bobby Pinson. ‘Bleed Red,’ the album’s first single, is already in the Top 15 on the country charts. It’s one of the few on the CD that Ronnie did not have a hand in writing. “This song picked me,” he says. “I had the record, it was finished. I was good to go.” 

All that changed after a friend emailed the singer. “I thought I was headed to the honky-tonks and beer joints to kick out a few lights, and it drops out of the sky at the last moment,” he continues. “I’m thinking, ‘Just for the sake of some silly competition, I’ve got to beat [U2's] Bono to the punch,’ because he has that big Red campaign going on. [laughs] A lot of crazy things went through my mind. But lo and behold, this is the single they picked to come out first.” 

‘Ronnie Dunn’ Track List: 

1. ‘Singer in a Cowboy Band’ — Ronnie Dunn/Craig Wiseman 

2. ‘I Don’t Dance’ — Ronnie Dunn/David Lee Murphy/Craig Wiseman 

3. ‘Your Kind of Love’ — Maile Misajon/Jeremy Stover 

4. ‘How Far to Waco’ — Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride 

5. ‘Once’ — Jamie Floyd/Philip LaRue/Peter Sallis 

6. ‘Cost of Livin” — Phillip Coleman/Ronnie Dunn 

7. ‘Bleed Red’ — Andrew Dorff/Tommy Lee James 

8. ‘Last Love I’m Tryin” — Ronnie Dunn 

9. ‘Let the Cowboy Rock’ — Ronnie Dunn/Dallas Davidson 

10. ‘I Can’t Help Myself’ — Ronnie Dunn/Terry McBride