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CMT Insider
CMT Insider's premiere episode includes a chat with the incomparable Dolly Parton about her hosting duties for the CMT 2004 Flame Worthy Video Music Awards; a front row seat to the pandemonium generated from Kenny Chesney's ""Guitars, Tiki Bars and a Whole Lotta Love Tour;"" a conversation with The Alamo stars Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton and Jason Patric; special correspondent Terri Clark reports from Playboy's 50th Anniversary Club Tour stop; and much more.
Get ready for another star-studded, fun-filled episode of CMT Insider. In this episode host Katie Cook will take fans inside Tim McGraw's recent concert in Houston, Texas, and on the set of his upcoming movie Friday Night Lights with Billy Bob Thornton. Cook will also preview nominees for the upcoming CMT 2004 Flame Worthy Video Music Awards hosted by the legendary Dolly Parton Other stories on hand include a look at newcomer Josh Turner's recent success; Martina McBride on Sesame Street; John Michael Montgomery's return to the charts; Jimmy Wayne's appearance in Playgirl; Disney's latest animated hit Home on the Range and its soundtrack featuring McGraw and others; and a tribute concert to the late Waylon Jennings. CMT's Lance Smith will be on hand to run down this week's Hit List.
It's award time in Nashville, and we have your front row seat and backstage pass to the CMT 2004 Flame Worthy Video Music Awards. On this special episode of CMT Insider, host Katie Cook will be backstage at the Gaylord Entertainment Center capturing all the night's excitement and chatting with the big winners, including Johnny Cash Visionary Award receipient Reba McEntire. The fun doesn't stop there, though. We'll bring you highlights of some of the show's hot performances; all your favorite artists on the red carpet, including a fashion report on what everyone was wearing; a look at what it takes to create the Flame Worthy awards; and we'll follow nominee Jake the Dog as he prepares for his award show debut. Don't miss a minute of the fun. And remember, this special episode premieres a day early (Thursday, April 22) so you don't have to wait to get the scoop.
The Flame Worthy awards might be over, but the partying continues. In this episode of CMT Insider host Katie Cook will take viewers inside some recent music row celebrations including Toby Keith's triple platinum party for sales of 3 million for Shock 'N Y'all; Merle Haggard's exciting reception honoring his career and new compilation CD of some of his greatest hits; and Loretta Lynn's album release party for Van Lear Rose, her first release in four years. We'll also bring you highlights from a memorable welcome home party for troops at Fort Hood that included performances by Randy Travis, John Michael Montgomery and many more. The fun doesn't stop there, though. We'll feature new releases from country star Lee Ann Womack, new duo Big & Rich and Canadian singer Carolyn Dawn Johnson; take you to the movies for previews of 13 Going on 30, Envy and Van Helsing; and talk to the stars about the upcoming end to the hit television series Friends.
Country music can be glitz, glamour and a whole lot of fun. Sometimes, however, there are high prices to pay for fame and fortune. This week, host Katie Cook will sit down with singer Jo Dee Messina to discuss her battle with alcohol and what led her to seek help at a Utah rehabilitation center. Messina opens up about how her problem began and what led her to take the steps to find her way back to sobriety. Also on tap for this episode, we'll go on tour with Brooks & Dunn; celebrate Mother's Day with new family group The Jenkins; catch up with new films released at the Nashville Film Festival, including Tim McGraw's big screen debut in Black Cloud; check out a new documentary on Billy Joe Shaver; and visit rehearsals for the upcoming Great Mountain High tour featuring Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley and many others. Oh, and don't forget ... we'll have the results to our Shania Twain ""When You Kiss Me"" poll. You watched. You voted. Now tune in to see which video fans voted their favorite.
Superstar Reba McEntire is at the top of her game. With a hit television sitcom, a new album and her first tour since 2001, fiery red head doesn't seem to be slowing down. CMT Insider recently caught up with the Oklahoma native in Arizona to talk about her life and career, including recent reports regarding negotiations for a new contract for Reba. We'll also give fans a front row seat to her return to the stage. Also on tap for this episode, host Katie Cook will spotlight some new CDs from one of country music's hottest duos, Montgomery Gentry, and country's latest crop of hitmakers -- Gretchen Wilson, Julie Roberts and Big & Rich; take you inside the Country Thunder Festival featuring Trace Adkins, Gary Allan and Cledus T. Judd; give you a sneak peek at Brad Pitt's new movie Troy; and check with CMT's Lance Smith to see what made it on the Hit List.
The Academy of Country Music awards will hit Las Vegas on Wednesday, May 26, and CMT Insider will make sure fans are ready for an exciting night in country music. This week's episode will be focused on all the nominees for the upcoming awards. We'll break down each category and show you how the nominees stack up to the competition. Host Katie Cook will spotlight this year's host Reba McEntire, top nominee Alan Jackson, and nominees in each individual categories, including entertainer of the year. We'll also take a look at the three artists nominated for the Home Depot Humanitarian Award, the ACM's only fan-voted award. Fans will have to decide between Charlie Daniels, Martina McBride and Brad Paisley -- tough decision.
One of country music's biggest nights will hit Las Vegas in a big way on Wednesday, May 26, and CMT Insider will be there for all the big moments. In this episode, host Katie Cook will bring you a complete list of winners and all the highlights from the big night, including the lowdown on what all the stars were wearing. We'll also keep an eye on Carolyn Dawn Johnson as she prepares for the big night to find out what the stars go through to get ready for the annual awards presentation. When the ACM awards hit Vegas, however, it's not for just one night. The entire week is packed full of celebrity events. We'll catch up with Keith Urban and the boys from Montgomery Gentry who will be participating in a motorcycle-ride fundraiser and have highlights from the Sizzlin' Country charity concert. It's not all ACMs, though. Our L.A. correspondent Lisa Lee will feature Kate Hudson's upcoming film release Raising Helen, and we'll have a sneak peek at CMT's upcoming special In the Moment: Julie R
The hottest ticket in country music over Memorial Day Weekend is the super concert in Dallas, Texas, featuring legendary performers Jimmy Buffett, Alan Jackson and native Texan George Strait. Not only will we be there, we'll give fans a front row seat and backstage pass to all the music and excitement. We'll also catch up with the world's most famous beach bum, Buffett, to talk about the show and all his recent award-winning success. Other stories on tap this week include a special tour of newcomer Dierks Bentley's first tour bus, as well as a sneak peek at his upcoming CMT special CMT Got Me In With the Band; a look at the ""Redneck Woman"" explosion as Gretchen Wilson topples the country charts; an introduction to one of country's most outrageous new duos Big & Rich; a spotlight on Nashville Star winner Brad Cotter and a chat with Chris Cagle about his recent vocal rest. But that's not all. Host Katie Cook will feature new CDs hitting stores, including reissues from Johnny Cash and Han
Wow! Is it that time of year again? Yep. It's CMA Festival time in Nashville, and CMT Insider will be on the festival grounds to bring you all the fun and excitement. Host Katie Cook will spotlight the festival, formerly known as Fan Fair, including a visit to Keith Urban's fan club party, visiting with Montgomery Gentry on their bus as they head to the festival, a trip to the exhibit hall autograph booths, and a front row seat to some of the hottest concerts. If you can't be here in person, here's your chance to see what's going on. That's just the tip of the iceberg, though. We recently sat down with country superstar Toby Keith in his home state of Oklahoma. He'll help kick off the show by talking about his upcoming tour, a new album and much more. We'll also be on hand for Eric Clapton's once-in-a-lifetime guitar festival in Dallas. The show features many of today's greatest guitar players, including country's own Vince Gill. Also on tap, we'll have a sneak peek at CMT's upcoming s
It's been a wild ride so far for Gretchen Wilson, and her schedule is just getting busier every day. In this episode of CMT Insider, we'll look back at Nashville's biggest week as CMA Music Festival comes to an end, and catch up with the young new hitmaker for her first appearance at the event. From the main stage to signing autographs in the exhibit hall, country's hottest newcomer finally finds out what it's like to be a star. While we're on the subject of the CMA Music Festival, we'll also spotlight Martina McBride's celebrity auction held annually during the week's festivities, and give you a rundown on who was there and what items fans were eager to buy. Can't get enough of great performances? We'll head to Dallas for Eric Clapton's recent once-in-a-lifetime guitar festival. The concert included many of today's greatest guitar players, including country's own Vince Gill. Union Station members Dan Tyminski and Ron Block will also give us a tour of the ""Crossroads Guitar Auction"" pr
Honoring American troops is a tradition in country music, especially during times of war. Country superstar George Strait recently helped honor the troops at Fort Campbell in Kentucky with a special free concert for members of the 101st Airborne and their families to say thank you for their service. Host Katie Cook will give you a front row seat to the special show -- also featuring Vince Gill, Richard Marx, Collin Raye, Dobie Gray and Lane Brody -- and the fun had by all who attended. On a sadder note, the music world lost an icon last week with the passing of the legendary Ray Charles. Many celebrities were on hand to pay homage to the star during his funeral services held in Los Angeles. We'll bring you coverage of the ceremony remembering Charles' life and career. Also on tap in this episode, we'll catch up with singing star Sara Evans and her brother who happens to be her band director on the road; take a special look inside Joe Nichols' tour bus; go behind the scenes at Trace Adk
With all his recent success and super-stardom, it seems like Kenny Chesney's been at the top of the country charts since he released his first single. Not so. Host Katie Cook will look back at some early interviews with the Tennessee native from his first days as a recording artist. He looks and sounds a bit different than the star he has turned into, but there's a glimmer in his eyes that proves he was destined to sit at the top of the charts for a long time. Talk about reminiscing, with the July 4 holiday upon us, we thought it would be fun to visit with stars about how it feels to perform ""The Star Spangled Banner"" in front of large audiences at some of the country's biggest events. Singers Martina McBride, Terri Clark, Chesney, Sara Evans and others share fun stories about experiences they have encountered when asked to sing one of the most difficult songs ever written. In this week's episode, we'll also take a look at a new Johnny Cash book released by CMT. Cash: An American Man,
He's had a long, successful career singing about beaches and margaritas, but after a hit duet with Alan Jackson last year, Jimmy Buffett is finding a welcome home in country music. Tuesday, July 13 marks the release of his first country album featuring several collaborations with some of country's biggest names. We recently caught up with the tropical superstar and we'll get the inside scoop on the entire album. New success isn't just for the big stars, though. It's also finding the young artists in country music. Hot new duo Big & Rich will talk about their debut CD, getting started in Nashville with the Musik Mafia and their upcoming tour with country star Tim McGraw this summer. Legendary singer-songwriters Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard landed in Roswell, N.M., over the Fourth of July holiday weekend for the annual Roswell UFO Festival. We were there and we'll have all the highlights from the annual festival that celebrates the little town known for UFO landings. Also on tap for t
Superstar Alan Jackson has been traveling up and down America's highways for over a decade making some of country's greatest music. Now he has a highway of his own in his home state of Georgia. Jackson and his family were on hand when Coweta County officials named a portion of I-85 outside his hometown of Newnan, Ga., to Alan Jackson Highway. We'll have an exclusive interview with the star to get his reaction and to chat about his new video for ""Too Much of a Good Thing Is a Good Thing."" The Musik Mafia has spawned some great new talent in Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich. We'll be there as Wilson celebrates her No. 1 success of ""Redneck Woman"" and solve the mystery behind Big & Rich's debut video. Sibling ties carry over to the road for Sara Evans and her brother, who happens to be her band leader. We'll catch up with the country singer and her brother to talk about what it's like to travel with your sister, especially when she's the boss. Also on tap for this episode, we'll find out ab
It's been over 13 hitmaking years for country music's top vocal duo Brooks & Dunn, and their record label sure knows how to throw a party in their honor. Host Katie Cook was on hand this week when the boys celebrated sales of 25 million records since their first release in 1993. Find out what special gift Arista Records presented Kix and Ronnie. Superstar Toby Keith keeps making hits, and his concerts are unbeatable. He's about to kick off his brand new Big Throwdown tour on Saturday (July 24), and we'll find out what fans can expect. Keith sits down with CMT Insider to talk about what he has planned for his late summer tour and what concertgoers can expect. Members of the Muzik Mafia have been making music around Nashville for several years, and it has not gone unnoticed. Crowds followed the singer-songwriters from venue to venue, and Music Row finally took notice. With the breakout success of Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich from the bunch, the Mafia phenomenon has taken center stage i
From Louisiana to the top of the charts, superstar Tim McGraw's success commands a lot of respect and attention from fans, and he keeps them dancing in the aisles at each tour stop. The hot performer is currently in the middle of his Out Loud tour with Big & Rich and The Warren Brothers, and CMT Insider catches up with McGraw to talk about his new show, his latest No. 1 hit and his fans. After celebrating selling 25 million records, supergroup Brooks & Dunn take a little time with host Katie to reflect on the past 13 years. Cook was on hand at the recent bash and sat down with they dynamic duo to find out what such a milestone means to them personally and what we can look forward to from them in the near future. As Muzik Mafia members Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson continue to gain fame on the country charts, we wanted to get to know the other members. Fans may be familiar with James Otto and Shannon Lawson, but what about Cowboy Troy? In the second of a three part series, we'll introd
Superstar Toby Keith kicked off his new Big Throwdown last week and CMT Insider gives viewers a front row seat to all the action at his Chicago show. Country star Terri Clark helped get the party started and host Katie Cook was on hand to join in the excitement. Country duo Montgomery Gentry recently earned their first No. 1 hit for ""If You Ever Stop Loving Me,"" and with a No. 1 hit, there's always a party. CMT Insider was on hand we'll take fans inside the celebration. America's best athletes are gearing up for their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of representing their country at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens, Greece. When we found out two track and field athletes were big country music fans, we knew we had to wish them well. Correspondent Lisa Lee made a special visit to the Olympic training facility in Southern California to catch up with the hurdler Brenda Taylor and discus thrower Ian Waltz before they headed out and give them each a special gift from their favorite artists. As
After several years of making music in his home country of Austrailia, singer-songwriter Keith Urban moved to the United States joined a group called The Ranch and got his first record deal. The Ranch is no longer together, but Urban has continued to soar to the brink of superstardom as a solo act. This week on CMT Insider, we'll head into our vault and check out some early interviews with a younger Urban to find out what he was feeling about his art and where he thought he was headed in the music industry. With the country still fighting the war on terror, country artists are continuing to support American troops with special performances to say thank you. Super duo Brooks & Dunn and hot trio Rascal Flatts took time out of their busy schedules to perform for the troops at Camp Pendelton, Calif., and correspondent Lisa Lee was on hand for all the festivities. Lee will give viewers a front row seat to a great show of appreciation by two of country's biggest groups. He's been out of the
Superstar Tim McGraw continues to soar with his latest single and the flight doesn't seem to have an end in sight. His new album Live Like You Were Dying hits stores Aug. 24 and we'll visit with the singer to find out what fans can expect. CMT Insider will also talk to McGraw about how he is keeping his father Tug McGraw's memory alive. Speaking of McGraw, Mrs. McGraw -- a.k.a. singing sensation Faith Hill -- made her return to the concert stage with several shows in Las Vegas. Correspondent Lisa Lee was on the scene and will have a complete report on Hill's performance and her upcoming album. Last week we talked with Travis Tritt about his brand new CD My Honky Tonk History. This week, we'll get upclose and personal with the Georgia native as he prepares for a show in Oklahoma City. From his arrival on a private plane to a meet and greet with his fans, we'll get an inside look at what happens the day of a big show. Also on tap for this episode: we'll tag along with newcomers Julie Rob
