Artist Compilation (12/9/11)


For the second consecutive year, RCA Nashville recording artist Chris Young is sponsoring a special holiday tree in the Gaylord Opryland Resort’s fifth annual Hall of Trees to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Each tree in the Hall of Trees includes major gifts donated by sponsors and is tied to a charity. Tree decorations, along with all the gifts, will be auctioned off to benefit the sponsor’s designated charity. Chris, a Country Cares for St. Jude Kids supporter, has chosen St. Jude to benefit from the proceeds of his NEON tree, which is currently on display.

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Brad Paisley will be featured this Sunday (12/11) on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood at 9 AM/ET.  Bob Schieffer, host of Face the Nation, joined Paisley on tour earlier this year for a behind the scenes look and then spent the day with him in his hometown of Franklin, TN.  Paisley and Schieffer also visited The Castle recording studio and had lunch at one of Paisley’s favorite restaurants, Barbara’s Homecookin’.

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CMA Country Christmas, hosted for the second year by Jennifer Nettles, of reigning CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Sugarland, re-airs Saturday, Dec. 17 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“Viewers now have a second opportunity to experience the music, memories, and stories of the season with some of our format’s biggest stars and their families,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. “Fans have been calling since the original airing asking for more, and we are glad to give them a second helping.”

Artists who perform in the special and share their favorite holiday traditions include Lauren Alaina, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Brian Setzer with special guest Brad Paisley, Sugarland, Keith Urban, and Vince Gill with Miss Piggy.

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Jo Dee Messina, who recently announced she’s expecting her second child with husband Chris Deffenbaugh, has debuted a new parenting blog, The Fumbling Mom.

The blog is inspired by her everyday adventures being a mother and gives fans a look into Messina’s personal life at home and on the road. She shares tips, personal photos of her family and home and openly discusses the challenges of being a good mother while balancing a successful music career.

To mark the debut of the blog, Messina has decided to give away something every mom is searching for: quiet time and a little pampering for herself. Now through Wednesday, Dec. 14, a $100 gift certificate for a spa day will be randomly selected for five twitter followers. To enter, fans need to follow Messina’s twitter account @fumblingmom and re-tweet the contest. For more information, visit www.fumblingmom.com/13571060977.