May 10-11: Lon's co-host is Phil Vassar, and for Mother's Day, he brings along his mom.  She tells great stories about Phil's first days as a performer in the 5th grade, and the thing she was proudest of during her son's career.  She also tells a story about hanging out backstage with Montgomery Gentry!  It's guaranteed to make you laugh.  Plus Phil has stories about Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, and Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus.

AUDIO FROM LON'S INTERVIEW WITH PHIL & HIS MOM:

Phil & his mom talk about Phil's childhood HERE

Phil & his mom talk about Phil's mischief HERE

Phil & his mom on when Phil started in music HERE

Phil & his mom on her proudest moment HERE

Phil on a wild night with Montgomery Gentry HERE

Phil's mom on the Montgomery Gentry party HERE

Phil on taking his family to Hannah Montana HERE

Phil on why he's not on Dancing With the Stars HERE


Which story is your favorite?  Tell us now!  Go to the c-box on the left, type your name and message, and click GO.  It's easy!

           

PHIL VASSAR PERFORMS AT THE WHITE HOUSE

NASHVILLE, TN (May 6, 2008) – Universal Records South recording artist Phil Vassar performed on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday in a ceremony  honoring  the six recipients of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and in celebration of military spouses across the country.   Phil was honored to sing our National Anthem to commence the ceremony and the president’s speech.   Phil and his band then entertained the admirable crowd with 3 of his own songs. 

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THE COUNTRY WORLD MOURNS THE LOSS OF EDDIE ARNOLD

Country Hall of Famer Eddie Arnold passed away on May 8th, one week short of his 90th birthday.  He had a string of 67 consecutive Top 10 hits between 1945 and 1956.  There will be a viewing at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville on Tuesday, with the funeral at the Ryman Auditorium.  Both are open to the public.

DIERKS BENTLEY WELCOMES CARRIE TO THE OPRY

He has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 2-1/2 years.  Now, Dierks is one of the performers the night Carrie Underwood becomes the newest member.  Dierks had this to say to Westwood One:  "We’re just excited to be part of the festivities because Carrie’s having a big night that night, so it should be a big Opry night for sure.  Carrie will be a big asset to the Opry and obviously for her it’s a big honor to be a member of the Opry, so it’s a great deal for everyone.  I think the Opry’s smart to have the relationship with Carrie, and for her to make the commitment to the Opry is a great thing, as far as brining a new audience to country music, so I think it’s a very cool thing."  Come back Sunday for photos of the induction.

GEORGE STRAIT BREAKS CONWAY TWITTY'S RECORD

It was one of Conway Twitty's favorite achievements, and a record he held for 20 years: 55 #1 songs.  But that record was broken by George Strait, whose hit, "I Saw God Today," became the Texan's 56th #1. 

LON HANGS BACKSTAGE AT KENNY'S FIRST STADIUM SHOW

Kenny Chesney began his series of 14 stadium shows in Columbia SC, and CCUSA host Lon Helton was on hand to witness the excitement.  Over 44,000 fans packed the University of South Carolina stadium.  Kenny injured his right foot during his entrance, and performed the entire 2-hour show in pain. Fortunately, no broken bones.   Lon was first to report the story from the scene.  Watch the accident happen HERE

ALAN JACKSON CELEBRATES "SMALL TOWN" #1

It's rare that Alan Jackson attends a Nashville party.  But this one was different.  It was to honor Jackson as sole writer for his #1 hit, "Small Town Southern Man."  Jackson told the crowd that nothing will replace the feeling of his very first #1, "Here in the Real World."  But he is gratified to still have chart toppers at this point in his career.

TAYLOR, TRACE, & KELLIE WIN AT CMT AWARDS

It may have been a changing of the guard on many levels, as Taylor Swift won the top honor at the fan-voted  CMT Music Awards.  The 18-year old won Female Video of the Year and the overall Best Video of the Year for her #1 hit "Our Song."  Trace Adkins won Best Male for "I Got My Game On." It was Adkins' first awards of any sort in ten years.  Other winners included Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, and LeAnn Rimes.

BRAD PAISLEY CELEBRATES A PERFECT "10"

The theme of the night was "10."  The affair was held at a restaurant called Radius 10, it was the 10th day of April, and the guest of honor had sold 10 million records, had 10 #1 singles, and was in the 10th year of his career.  Brad Paisley was honored by friends and family, including his father, who recalled driving the young guitar player to gigs back in West Virginia.  Prior to the party, Brad told reporters his upcoming instrumental album will feature an incredible duet with the late legend Buck Owens. 

TRACE ADKINS WINS, BUT ISN'T THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE

In the dramatic 2-hour finale of NBC's Celebrity Apprentice, Donald Trump didn't say his famous words, "You're Fired."  He spent more than an hour discussing contestants Trace Adkins and Piers Morgan.  He complimented Trace on his demeanor.   But in the end, Piers Morgan raised more money, so Trump looked at Morgan and said, "You're the Celebrity Apprentice." 

KENNY CHESNEY CELEBRATES HIS 40th BIRTHDAY

Dozens of celebrity friends from music and sports turned out at a Nashville club to celebrate Kenny Chesney's 40th birthday.  Among the attendees: Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Dierks Bentley, Sugarland, and Kellie Pickler.  Baseball pitcher Roger Clemens and NASCAR driver Sterling Martin were also there.  Kenny's mother, father, and sister attended as well.  In the end, Kenny said the night made him realize "what a gift all the people in my life have been."

SARA EVANS ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED

Sara Evans is engaged.  People.com says the singer is planning to marry Alabama radio personality Jay Barker, a former quarterback from the University of Alabama. The couple hasn't set a wedding date yet.  Barker hosts a morning show in Birmingham.  A spokesperson for Evans says the couple is enjoying their engagement. Evans has three children with former husband Craig Schelske, and Barker has four children from a previous marriage. The pair began dating last fall.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD TO BECOME AN OPRY MEMBER

On May 10th, Carrie Underwood will become the newest member of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry.  She got the news in an amazing way.  She performed the Randy Travis classic, "I Told You So," and was surprised when Randy himself walked on stage.  That was shocking enough.  He wished her a happy 25th birthday, and invited her to become a member of the Opry. 

NASHVILLE AUDIENCE CHEER BLAKE & BUBLE'  

                                    

Click HERE to watch Blake Shelton and Michael Buble' sing "Home" on stage in Nashville.

GARTH BROOKS MAKES SURPRISE APPEARANCE

   

It was billed as An Evening with Trisha Yearwood:  An informal performance for a few hundred country radio programmers in Nashville.  After performing a number of songs from her new CD, as well as hits from the past, Trisha introduced Garth, who had been hidden from view.  It appeared to be unplanned, because the two first discussed what they'd perform, and then Trisha sang "Walkaway Joe," with Garth singing harmonies.  Then she asked Garth to sing one by himself.  Garth replied, “I can’t believe this. I have to follow the best voice in country music.” After some thought, he did an amazing acoustic performance of "The Dance."  It was a rare opportunity to see the superstar couple perform songs in a very intimate setting.

KENNY CHESNEY LEADS ACM NOMINATIONS

The nominations for the 43rd Academy of Country Music Awards have been announced, and Kenny Chesney picked up eleven, including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist.  A new name in the mix this year is Rodney Atkins, who has six nominations, including Top Male Vocalist and Album of the Year.  The ACM Awards will be presented on Sunday May 18th in Las Vegas.  Reba McEntire will return as host.  For a complete list of nominations, click HERE.


CARRIE, KEITH, BRAD, VINCE WIN GRAMMY AWARDS

Best Female Vocal: Carrie Underwood "Before He Cheats"

Best Male Vocal: Keith Urban "Stupid Boy"

Best Country Album: Vince Gill "These Days"

Best Duo or Group: Eagles "How Long"

Best Country Song: "Before He Cheats"

Best Collaboration: Willie Nelson & Ray Price

Best Instrumental: Brad Paisley "Throttleneck"

JOE NICHOLS CREDITS WIFE FOR HIS RECOVERY

Last September Joe Nichols married Heather Singleton.  One month later, he checked into a rehab center.  In an exclusive interview with Westwood One, Joe says those two things were related.  "A good woman will hold you accountable, and that's what my wife did for me.  In no way was I going to tarnish our marriage by dragging this on.  So we nipped it in the bud immediately, and started off on the right foot.  We cleaned out all the garbage up front, so we can start out with a healthy relationship."  Joe says he's heard from many other artists since his release, including Keith Urban, who went through a similar experience over a year ago.

CHARLIE DANIELS BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE OPRY

A full house at Nashville's famous Ryman Auditorium witnessed Charlie Daniels become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.  It had been a long time coming, as Charlie's first performance on the Ryman stage came almost 40 years ago.  Montgomery Gentry, Trace Adkins, and Marty Stuart joined Charlie on stage to sing "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." 

Click HERE to listen to Charlie Daniels speak to the media moments after becoming an Opry member.
 
CONFIRMED: KEITH & NICOLE EXPECTING A BABY!

Nicole Kidman's publicist has now confirmed that the actress and husband Keith Urban are expecting a baby.

RODNEY ATKINS REACTS TO HAVING THE #1 SONG OF 2007

"I can't believe it!  It's unbelievable.  Thank you so much to all of radio playing it so much all year long."  That was the immediate reaction from Rodney Atkins when CCUSA's Lon Helton told him that "Watching You" was the #1 Song for all of 2007.  "I could not believe it, knowing how this song had begun mainly as personal therapy for my wife & I.  I just wrote the song for me & her."  The song was Rodney's first #1 as a writer, based on his 4-year-old son Elijah, who was singing Rodney's song, "If You're Goin' Through Hell" in his pre-school.  "There's nothing like being out there evry night and have the whole world sing it with you, especially when it's about your kid."  Click HERE to listen to Lon's interview.