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Caitlyn Jenner made a patriotic statement via social media on Saturday, taking to Instagram with a picture of her American flag. "Happy 4th of July!" she wrote in the caption. "Proud to be an American ... where at least I am free to be me." The last line calls to mind the classic song "God Bless the U.S.A.," in which Lee Greenwood sings, "And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free." A photo posted by Caitlyn Jenner (@caitlynjenner) on Jul 4, 2015 at 11:30am Pdt Caitlyn's post comes over one month after she made her stunning debut as a woman in Vanity Fair. The former Olympian has made a handful of public appearances in NYC since then, including a glamorous night out on Broadway.

The country music community gathered in Nashville on Thursday to say goodbye to legendary performer Little Jimmy Dickens, and not surprisingly, the focus was on his size: His huge smile and big laugh. His great heart. His enormous sense of humor. His larger-than-life stage personality. In fact if anything became abundantly clear during the two-hour funeral at the Grand Ole Opry House where Dickens had performed countless times, it was this: His height - all 4 feet 11 inches - was the only thing about Little Jimmy Dickens that was small. Longtime friend and fishing buddy Brad Paisley presided over the public celebration of Dickens's life,...

Jimmy Wayne has been absent from the country charts for the past four years, but the singer/songwriter has been anything but idle. Now a New York Times best-selling author, Wayne has been busy with book signings and interviews in support of his new autobiography, Walk to Beautiful and his previous book, Paper Angels, which has been made into a movie airing Sunday night (November 16th) on Up TV.

Lee Greenwood, Buddy Jewel, Nascar legend Darrell Waltrip, Salvation Army Angel Tree founder Shirley White and Chick-fil-a Senior Vice President Bubba...

God Bless America! Music streaming site Spotify released a list of what patriotic jam each state will most likely listen to this Independence Day based on past years, and you guessed it, Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" is a favorite from coast to coast.  Also in the mix is Miley Cyrus' jam "Party in the USA" and Team America: World Police's song "America F--k Yeah." Hawaii, naturally, chose The Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA." Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert's rendition of "America the Beautiful" also made the cut. [...]...

What's Independence Day without music? Whether it's a Sousa march, or simply a repeated, tone-deaf "U-s-a!" chant, Americans love adding music to a holiday, and the 4th is no exception. Paul Lamere, director of developer platform for the Spotify subsidiary The Echo Nest, has crunched some numbers and put together this list of the top 4th of July songs by state, along with this excellent patriotic playlist of all the tunes. Lamere started with a massive pool of music included in the thousands of playlists on Spotify with "Fourth of July" in their titles. "That set of songs is this really funny mix,...

For a kickass tribute to the musical legacy of James Brown, please enjoy the new trailer for "Get On Up," the upcoming James Brown biopic. But for a more unbelievable, eye-popping memory of James Brown, please watch him buy vowels and avoid Bankrupt alongside Little Richard, Weird Al Yankovic, and Lee Greenwood on "Wheel of Fortune." It is unreal. It is also 1994, so enjoy extras like a pregnant Vanna and the old, sexy, saxophoney "Wheel" theme.  A number of observations: 1) That is a puffy outfit, James. 2) That is a neckerchief, James? 3) At one point James calls for a "T" not 20 seconds after Weird Al calls for a "T," and Pat Sajak's disappointment is evident. 4) Listen to how the words "Blues singer Billie Holiday" tumble out of James' mouth. Unbelievable. 5) Little Richard is the greatest Jackee character ever.

Randy Travis' friends are rallying for the country singer to get better ... and TMZ has learned several celebrities have called Rt to send their well wishes ... including Chuck Norris!!! Randy's publicist tells us several stars have reached out since Randy was admitted to the hospital with heart issues this weekend ... including Josh Turner, The Oak Ridge Boys, Joe Nichols, Lyle Lovett, Kenny Rogers, Ray Price, Lee Greenwood and Chuck Norris. Unfortunately, Randy suffered a...

Happy Birthday America! No 4th of July is complete without a BBQ, friends, family and good music! While you're standing over the grill this Independence Day, let us take care of the playlist! From Brooks and Dunn's Only in America to almost anything in Toby Keith's music catalog - Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue, Made in America - country music really knows how to tip their hats to Old Glory. Jam out to Martina McBrides Independence Day and treat this July 4th like it's the most amazing American Saturday Night.And it goes without saying, no...

On TV this Monday: The Voice feels four-tunate, the Broke Girls offer a double pump, Michael Bublé invites you Home for the Holidays and Mel Brooks sits down with HBO. (We must tell our birds.) As a supplement to TVLine’s original features (linked within), here are 10 programs to keep on your radar.

Preview | How I Met Your Mother : Barney’s New Romance Heats Up, Plus a Buffy Reunion

8 pm American Country Awards (Fox) | Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies) and Trace Adkins host this live celebration of country music. Scheduled performers include Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts.

8 pm...

To honor the Thanksgiving holiday, the theme for this week on "The X Factor" was things to give thanks for. Vino Alan had tried to sign up for the military after 9/11, but was rejected because of his extensive tattoos. So he honored their service by performing for them, and he did so again on "The X Factor" stage.

Vino tackled Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," which is a tricky song to tackle. In the wrong hands, it can come across as way too over the top, but most critics felt that Vino handled it masterfully. The judges were certainly on board, giving him a standing ovation. Demi Lovato even said she'd been wrong about him, referring to her criticism about failing to see him as a star.

CarterMatt said it "felt more genuine and heartfelt than the original," while Celebuzz suggested the song choice could catapult Vino into the lead.

To honor the Thanksgiving holiday, the theme for this week on "The X Factor" was things to give thanks for. Vino Alan had tried to sign up for the military after 9/11, but was rejected because of his extensive tattoos. So he honored their service by performing for them, and he did so again on "The X Factor" stage.

Vino tackled Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA," which is a tricky song to tackle. In the wrong hands, it can come across as way too over the top, but most critics felt that Vino handled it masterfully. The judges were certainly on board, giving him a standing ovation. Demi Lovato even said she'd been wrong about him, referring to her criticism about failing to see him as a star.

CarterMatt said it "felt more genuine and heartfelt than the original," while Celebuzz suggested the song choice could catapult Vino into the lead.

Dear Santa,

I’ve tried to be a good boy this year — and not just because I want a new pony. The problem is, my job requires me to watch The X Factor for a living, and it’s turning me into a monster.

No, seriously, the cynical, horrible questions that went through my mind during Top 10 performance night left me feeling like I’d booked a one-way ticket to Hell; now it’s just a matter of whether I’m going express or local.

What kinds of questions am I contemplating, you ask? Oh, I dunno: As Diamond White...

 

First and foremost, these are only my impressions on the single player campaign. While I did get some time with the multiplayer beta, I didn't feel it was enough to really formulate a solid opinion, so I'll leave that to someone else. Honestly that's not why I enjoyed Medal of Honor 2010, and it wasn't what I was looking forward to in Warfighter either. What sold me on the campaign was how invested I became in just a few hours in the lives of Voodoo, Mother, Preacher, and Stump (okay, maybe not Stump). Compare that to my time with Price, Soap, and the rest of the gang in Modern Warfare, and there is no doubt in my mind as to which one I preferred. Not saying I didn't enjoy those games immensely, I just wasn't as invested in those games.

Part of that is due to the small moments that happen in between the firefights.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is coming back to ABC for four episodes this holiday season. The specials were first announced when the show was canceled in December 2011.

The first of new "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" episodes premieres on Monday, November 26 at 9 p.m. Et. The Thanksgiving-themed episode will be guest-hosted by Jenny McCarthy. The episode will spotlight the Watson family and include a trip to the "Wipeout" set and an appearance by Ufc Champion fighter Jon “Bones” Jones.

On Monday, December 3, Ty Pennington and team will visit the Zdroj family in a Christmas-themed episode. The special will feature appearances by BMX biker Matt Hoffman, Chef Art Smith and some special guests from “Star Wars.” The following week on Monday, December 10, the team will visit the Friday family in an episode that will feature appearances by racecar driver Michael Waltrip, the NBA Charlotte Bobcats’ female dance troupe, and The Grinch.

Then on Monday,...

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is coming back to ABC for four episodes this holiday season. The specials were first announced when the show was canceled in December 2011.

The first of new "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" episodes premieres on Monday, November 26 at 9 p.m. Et. The Thanksgiving-themed episode will be guest-hosted by Jenny McCarthy. The episode will spotlight the Watson family and include a trip to the "Wipeout" set and an appearance by Ufc Champion fighter Jon “Bones” Jones.

On Monday, December 3, Ty Pennington and team will visit the Zdroj family in a Christmas-themed episode. The special will feature appearances by BMX biker Matt Hoffman, Chef Art Smith and some special guests from “Star Wars.” The following week on Monday, December 10, the team will visit the Friday family in an episode that will feature appearances by racecar driver Michael Waltrip, the NBA Charlotte Bobcats' female dance troupe, and The Grinch.

Then on Monday,...

Washington -- Baseball great Hank Aaron is a Barack Obama guy. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is in Mitt Romney's camp.

From athletes and astronauts to singers and Hollywood stars, a growing line of celebrities is turning up at fancy dinners and rallies to build support and get out the vote for Obama or Romney, the president's Republican challenger.

Obama has entertainers like Bruce Springsteen, Katy Perry, George Clooney, Beyonce and Jay-z.

Romney's supporters include Clint Eastwood, musicians Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood and comedian Dennis Miller. Often the Democratic ticket attracts younger and glitzier stars.

Both campaigns have spent huge amounts of time and effort making sure their rallies feature opening acts that reinforce a campaign message, whether it's the economy, health care, veterans or some other issue.

Nicklaus, who now designs golf courses, teed up Romney at a campaign event near Columbus, Ohio.

The golfer said he's had...

Lynyrd Skynyrd has canceled a performance during Republican National Convention festivities in Tampa, THR reports.

A number of entertainers are slated to add some fun to the Rnc proceedings, but the looming threat of Hurricane Isaac may put a literal dampener on the whole week. Lynyrd Skynyrd's show at Liberty Plaza, a party space near the event, which takes place at Tampa Bay Times Forum, has been scrapped. But the band may still perform at the convention itself, where its gig that was scheduled for Monday may or may not be added to the rest of the week's itinerary.

Other acts lined up to perform: 3 Doors Down, Kid Rock, Trace Adkins, Lee Greenwood, the Oak Ridge Boys (on national anthem duty), Rodney Atkins, Karla Davis ("The Voice") and Shannon Magrane ("Idol"). Willie Nelson, perhaps the biggest name in the bunch, is also taking part in a benefit for Got...

Tune in alert for Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Oak Ridge Boys and Lee Greenwood to entertain at the televised 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa on Sunday, August 26. Their efforts are part of the fundraising event Citizens Helping Heroes presenting Southern Tribute IV Honoring America.s Heroes. The concert is open to paid sponsors and their guests. The Hall of Fame members who recently released their new album, Last of a Dyin. Breed, (August 21) will also perform inside the convention center on Monday, August 27, as Ann Romney is introduced to the attendees. Lynyrd Skynyrd performed at the Republican National Convention in 2000 as well as at various campaign stops for President Bush and again at the Rnc...

Welcome back to Junkfood Cinema; Mr. McDonald, tear up this restraining order. You’ve marched into the most patriotic bad movie column since the dramatic toppling of Lee Greenwood’s Stars and Schlock Forever. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that not all movies are created equal. Some are endowed by their creators with certain inexplicable faults. We here at Jfc are dedicated to the proposition that perhaps despite these faults, these films have elements that come together to form a more enjoyable union…than most would have the patience to endure. Then, in the last course of human descent, it will be become necessary for you to ingest a sugary themed food item week keep in the cupboard by the pebbles, Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles. Communism, after consulting a dictionary recently and rectifying a longstanding misunderstanding, is not in fact that cracker-and-juice portion of church. It is a set of political and social ideologies...

In honor of America’s 236th birthday, here are five newer versions of five Fourth of July classics, for your barbecue or fireworks soundtrack. (Stay safe! Wear goggles.)"Party in the USA" – Rye Rye With all due respect to the Miley original — “hopped off the plane at Lax with a dream and my cardigan” is still the greatest summary of the American Dream this millennium, for my money — Rye Rye’s remix is a smash. Runner up: Jimmy Fallon, as Neil Young, with Crosby and Nash. "God Bless the USA" – BeyoncéBeyoncé is proud to be an American. The rest of us are also proud that Beyoncé is an American. (Fyi, the Chipmunks also did a Lee Greenwood cover, if you have kids or a death wish. Do you.) "This Land Is Your Land" – Sharon Jones and the Dap KingsFor the revolutionaries among you. Also, that bass line —...

Like the idea of "Glee" but think it's too debaucherous? Want your song-and-dance numbers to be even squeakier and cleaner? Then you'll possibly love Glenn Beck's new show, a conservative, family friendly anti-"Glee" of sorts.

The TV talking head told folks at the Faith & Freedom Coalition conference in Washington on Friday (June 15) that he's been working on a conservative version of the Fox hit.

"It's horrifying some of the things that they're teaching high schoolers," Billboard quotes Beck as saying to the crowd. "But it's brilliantly done. It's produced, brilliantly. Its music, brilliant. Its acting, brilliant. Its cinematography, brilliant. All of it!"

Beck says he's spent a year "trying to put together a push-back with artists, with music. But not the stereotypical conservative Lee Greenwood music."

Want to see the show and find out what artists he is working with? He'll debut it at his "Restoring Love" event in Dallas in July.

First, Lee Greenwood; now, Justin Bieber. Greta Hawkins, principal at Brooklyn's Edna Cohen School, drew outrage from Greenwood -- writer of "God Bless the USA" after news broke that she was preventing kindergartners from singing the patriotic anthem at their graduation, even though they'd spent months learning the song. At the same time, Hawkins drew flak for keeping Justin Bieber's "Baby" in the lineup. According to the New York Post, citing New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Hawkins has nixed the bubblegum pop hit after deeming it inappropriate for 5-year-olds. Photos: 10 Entertainers Democrats and Republicans Love to Hate

read more...

This is taking Bieber fever to another level. Greta Hawkins, school principal at Public School No. 90 in Brooklyn, made the decision today to scrap playing Lee Greenwood's patriotic "God Bless the USA" during the kindergarten graduation ceremony because it might "offend other cultures." So what does she conclude won't offend anyone? Justin Bieber's "Baby," of course. We're not sure if these youngsters are Bieber fans, but some officials are not supporting Hawkins' idea. "When a Justin Bieber song is deemed an appropriate substitute for a song about patriotism and love of country, what message are we sending our youth?" Rep. Michael Grimm said in a...

Country singer Lee Greenwood on Monday blasted a Coney Island elementary school principal for preventing kindergartners from singing his "God Bless the USA" at their graduation, even after the children spent months learning the patriotic hit song. The decision to strike the song from the proceedings at Ps 90, the Edna Cohen School, was made by Principal Greta Hawkins, who reportedly also tried unsuccessfully to end the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of America the Beautiful at the school. Photos: Hollywood's Memorable Mea Culpas The New York Post wrote over the weekend how Hawkins “marched in

read more...

Rep. Michael Grimm (R-n.Y.) criticized a Brooklyn school principal Monday for her decision to replace the song "God Bless the USA" with Justin Bieber's hit single "Baby" in her school's graduation ceremony.

Greta Hawkins, school principal at Public School No. 90, said that the patriotic Lee Greenwood song could "offend other cultures." According to the New York Post, five classes spent several months practicing the ceremonial song before it was switched at last week's rehearsal.

"I have just one question for this principal: 'Who exactly are we offending?'" Grimm said in a Monday statement blasting Hawkins' song choice. "The only thing offensive about any of this is the anti-American message being ingrained in our youth. We all should be proud to be American and we should never ever apologize for it!"

Hawkins had argued that the lyrics for Greenwood's ballad are too grown-up for kindergarteners, using Justin Bieber's tune as a substitute.

'I Will Always Love You' sees 6,723 percent increase in digital sales and forces Billboard to adapt rules on 'catalog' tracks.

By James Montgomery

Whitney Houston

Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Spurred on by a massive uptick in digital sales and radio airplay following her death this past weekend, Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" re-entered Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart this week, landing at #7. And, in the process, it forced the magazine to adjust the way it handles so-called "catalog" tracks on the chart.

Historically, catalog songs — tracks still frequently aired on contemporary radio months or years after their initial debut — were ineligible for the Hot 100 (Billboard moves them to several "recurrent" charts once they've spent 20 weeks on the chart and have fallen below position number 50), though, in a statement, Billboard director of charts Silvio Pietroluongo said that will now officially change.

"Going forward, we feel that it is...

Beyonce Knowles has help celebrating America's 235th birthday in New York City. On Monday night, June 4, the "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" hitmaker took part in Macy's 35th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular by performing two songs before an audience that included men and women of the armed forces.

Stunning in a strapless floor length black gown with pink and white necklace, the 29-year-old R&B diva first hit the stage, which is set against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, to perform her single "Best Thing I Never Had". Before fireworks lighted up the sky over the Hudson River, she delivered her Lee Greenwood cover of "God Bless the U.S.A."

This year's Macy's 4th of July Fireworks was hosted by Nick Lachey. Aside from Queen Bey, Brad Paisley also provided the entertainment at the Rooftop Bar with his performance of "Welcome to the...

Filed under: Reality-Free, TV Replay

Marking the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, Beyoncé took to the stage with Lady Liberty as her backdrop on 'Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular' (Mon., 9Pm Et on NBC). She was radiant in a black gown and treated her audience to her new single, 'Best Thing I Never Had,' and Lee Greenwood's patriotic classic, 'God Bless the USA.'

It was a great prelude to an impressive fireworks display shooting up from five points along the Hudson River. Reports have more than 40,000 fireworks being used for the presentation, which lit up both sides of the river, with crowds coming from all over to witness the spectacle.

But NBC had it covered for those of us scattered across the state who still wanted to bask in the triumph of what may be the biggest-budget fireworks display in the nation without footing...

Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus and Christina Aguilera are also in the running this Fourth of July.

By John Mitchell, with additional reporting by Danielle Genet

Beyoncé

Photo: Columbia

Today is the Fourth of July — happy birthday, America! — and that means it's time to celebrate the most patriotic ladies in music! Whether they're singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in front of millions or wearing their love of their country on their sleeve (sometimes very literally), these ladies are living the American dream.

And this isn't some arbitrary ranking, either! To determine who the most patriotic divas are, we got positively scientific (just go with it). We assessed these ladies' patriotism based on four areas. Each was awarded one point if she, A) appeared at a patriotic event or in a pro-America public service announcement, B) was photographed wearing American flag-related clothing, C) sang the national anthem at a public event or D) released an America-themed song.

Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus and Christina Aguilera are also in the running this Fourth of July.

By John Mitchell, with additional reporting by Danielle Genet

Beyoncé

Photo: Columbia

Today is the Fourth of July — happy birthday, America! — and that means it's time to celebrate the most patriotic ladies in music! Whether they're singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in front of millions or wearing their love of their country on their sleeve (sometimes very literally), these ladies are living the American dream.

And this isn't some arbitrary ranking, either! To determine who the most patriotic divas are, we got positively scientific (just go with it). We assessed these ladies' patriotism based on four areas. Each was awarded one point if she, A) appeared at a patriotic event or in a pro-America public service announcement, B) was photographed wearing American flag-related clothing, C) sang the national anthem at a public event or D) released an America-themed song.

Getty Lady Gaga

The crime has been committed, and now—at long last—Lady Gaga must pay.

This is how it works in America, right? We allow people to become famous, then more famous, then even more famous. But at some point, before a celebrity is permitted to reach Marilyn Monroe-esque heights, we need to expose the warts and scars and flaws; we need to find something—anything—to bring a person down.

Oprah Winfrey is arrogant. Alex Rodriguez is insincere.

In "Move Your Body," Beyonce and her cohorts wave the American flag. In her latest song release, the singer salutes it. The pop star has covered "God Bless the U.S.A." for charity, for the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund. The track was unveiled on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" and promptly went up for sale on iTunes. The original version of the song first appeared in 1984, sung by country artist Lee Greenwood. It made a resurgence in popularity after the first Gulf War and after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Beyonce's been quite productive lately,...

Los Angeles, CA, United States (Ahn Entertainment) - Beyonce released a cover of the classic patriotic anthem "God Bless the USA" in order to benefit families affected by 9/11. She premiered the track on Piers Morgan Tonight and is available to purchase.

The release of the Lee Greenwood-penned single is benefiting the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund, with both Beyonce and Greenwood donating their proceeds.

"I cannot think about anything more appropriate to do to help these families," said Beyonce. "Almost ten years later, it is still so painful for all Americans, especially those who lost loved ones."

"On behalf of New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund's Board of Directors and the families of our fallen heroes, we are truly grateful for Beyonce's choice to support our charity and 'answer the call'," said Stephen J. Dannhauser, Chairman of the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund.

On Piers Morgan Tonight: Beyonce's exclusive premiere: "God Bless The USA" As American Pride Week rages on, tonight on "Piers Morgan Tonight" Beyonce exclusively premiered her recorded version of "God Bless The USA." The release is for charity, with all the proceeds from the song going to the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. Fans can purchase the song exclusively on iTunes as early as Friday. Beyonce released this quote: "We were all affected by the tragedies of 9/11 and continue to keep the families who lost loved ones close to our hearts. Lee Greenwood, the writer of the song, is also donating his proceeds to help the 9/11 families. Thank you Piers...

Monday’s “America Night” on Dancing With the Stars was pretty tough to watch. I don’t care if it was the evening’s high score, a rumba to a cover of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” is ridiculous. That said, I believe the theme night will go down in DWTS history for something else — being the best Maks Chmerkovskiy has ever looked. Watch his temporary American flag torso tattoo perform a foxtrot to a cover of Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman” below. If I had been drinking, I would have catcalled the TV. (Sober, I still spent...

Hines Ward has admitted that he was "nervous" ahead of this week's Dancing with the Stars performance. The football star and professional partner Kym Johnson performed the rumba to 'God Bless The USA' by Lee Greenwood on Monday night's American Week episode. "I was so nervous because this was my first slow dance," he told fans on his Facebook page. "But Kym choreographed a great romantic routine. Classy and a great ending from An Officer and a Gentleman." He added: "She's awesome and hopefully she leads me to the top. I can't (more)...

On Saturday, March 19, stars and athletes from around the country converged on the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona for Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night Xvii.

Grammy Award-winning leading lady of country music, Reba McEntire returned for her sixth year as emcee, and Lee Greenwood opened the evening with a touching rendition of “God Bless the U.S.A.” in which a rare Bald Eagle was released into the room to the surprise of the audience. Billy Crystal, longtime friend of Muhammad Ali, made a special introduction of The Champ who walked on stage to a standing ovation.

With Muhammad Ali on stage, Academy-Award winning actress Halle Berry was presented with the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Entertainer Award, No. 1 ranked Lpga Champion Cristie Kerr received the Sports Achievement Award, Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons received the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night Entrepreneur Award,...

Muhammad Ali’s annual celebrity charity Fight Night is to return to Arizona this month.

Celebrity Fight Night Xvii will be hosted by Grammy Award-winning superstar of country music Reba McEntire, who is returning for her sixth time as emcee. The black tie event will begin with cocktails and a silent auction with dinner, an exciting live auction and entertainment to follow. Billy Crystal will make a special introduction of Muhammad Ali and multi-platinum recording artist Matchbox Twenty will open the musical portion of the evening, followed by a performance from Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kelly Clarkson. Additional performers will include the Top 12 American Idol 2011 finalists, Bret Michaels, Jackie Evancho and Lee Greenwood, under the direction of David Foster – who is returning for his 12th consecutive year as the evening’s Musical Director.

This year, Muhammad Ali will honor Halle Berry, Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons, former NBA and...

One of the nation’s premier charity events, Celebrity Fight Night, has announced that this year Halle Berry will be honored while multi-platinum recording artist Matchbox Twenty will open the musical portion of the evening.

This annual star-studded gala presented in honor of featured guest, Muhammad Ali, will be held on Saturday, March 19th at the Jw Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Ariz.

In addition to Matchbox Twenty, there will be performances from Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kelly Clarkson, Legendary country singer, Lee Greenwood, the Top 12 American Idol 2011 finalists as well as Bret Michaels.

Read more...

The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Special, sponsored by Starmaker360.com, can be seen on multiple television networks starting December 11 to December 14. Enjoy the Grammy award-winning Oak Ridge Boys performing several Christmas classics along with Country legends Crystal Gayle and Roy Clark. This thirty-minute special is the first of its kind, an infomercial where fans can purchase both CD/DVD specials as well as music for only .99 cents per song. Christmas songs by The Oaks, Gayle, Clark and Lee Greenwood will be available to purchase on Starmaker360.com, a website based on book, "Starmaker" by Jim Halsey, in which the manager outlines the best way to achieve a successful career in the entertainment industry. Check out the schedule...

American Idol has entered the MySpace era (aka 2006), and is tapping into the powerful musical legacies of Toni Basil, Billy Ray Cyrus, and the Crash Test Dummies. Nope, I’m not pulling your leg. For the first time in its ten-season history, Fox’s behemoth of a singing competition is giving contestants the chance to audition online at myspace.com/americanidol from now through Oct. 6. Hopefuls between the ages of 15 and 28 (as of July 15, 2010) can submit 40-second videos in which they belt out one of 90 pre-approved tracks (listed below). Idol producers will then invite a select number of online auditioners...

Most politicians make their Hollywood debuts at lavish fund-raisers or intimate house parties. But Carly Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard CEO now running for a U.S. Senate seat in California, made her entrance at an event organized by the Friends of Abe.

For those unfamiliar with the highly secretive club of conservatives in the entertainment business, the name refers to iconic Republican Abraham Lincoln, not Abe Vigoda. Mostly meeting informally at the West Hollywood greasy spoon Barney's Beanery, the Gop-leaning crowd held its annual blowout in mid-June at a sprawling horse ranch near the Ventura County line. Hosted by "CSI: NY" star Gary Sinise, hundreds of actors, directors and craftspeople came out for the right-wing Woodstock.

The Friends of Abe have been around for a few years now, and conservative frustration with the Democratic control of Washington might be helping them flourish. Indeed, as politicians on both sides of the...

Aspiring singer also works toward landing a record contract in new reality show.

By James Montgomery

Kristy Lee Cook

Photo: Fox

You might remember Kristy Lee Cook as the red-blooded country gal who went for broke with Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" during the seventh season of "American Idol." So it's not exactly surprising that she's just returned with an equally red-blooded new hunting show called "Goin' Country."

The show — which premiered this weekend on the Versus network — follows Cook as she travels across the country blowing away animals, including deer, pheasant and turkey. Along the way, she also works toward landing a record contract (though not while hunting).

"I'm hoping that people will see the hunts as a chance to hang with family and friends and share an experience. It's so much fun in the outdoors, and when you harvest something for the meat, it really means...

Can’t argue with much of this… although I loved Air Supply once upon a time. Here’s the top 10: 10 Air Supply The sound of eunuchs sobbing 9 Lee Greenwood Gives patriotism a bad name 8 Vanilla Ice The white boy to end all white boys 7 Asia Ridiculous album sleeves, virtuoso playing, soulless rock. It can be only one band 6 Kansas Beware all [...]...

The Christian music community, including "American Idol" alums Chris Sligh and Phil Stacey, has come together to record "Come Together Now" for Haiti relief.

Last Wednesday, Jan. 27, Christian artists gathered in Nashville to give of their time and talent to record "Come Together Now," a single whose proceeds all go to benefit organizations like the Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse.

Among the artists on the collaboration were Amy Grant, Lee Greenwood, the Oak Ridge Boys, Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey, Steven Curtis Chapman, Restless Heart and Wynonna. The song was written by Michael W. Smith, Cindy Morgan and David Mullen on Jan. 15 in response to the devastating earthquake.

The song will be available for download later this week.

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Paul Shirley...

For those staying in for New Year's this year, there's plenty of ball-dropping excitement to be had in the comfort of your own home. In fact, there are so many options available, it's hard to choose just one. Below are some good bets for channel surfing your way into 2010. Note: The award for Craziest Cable Counterprogramming goes to Tlc and its "Night of Sexual Taboo" featuring My Husband's 3 Wives (7 p.m.), Forbidden Love: Polygamy (8 p.m.), Anatomy of Sex (9 p.m.), Strange Sex (10 p.m.), Forbidden Love: Polygamy (11 p.m.), Forbidden Love: Geisha (midnight), Mother Knows Sex (1 a.m.), and Purity Balls (2 a.

The family of revered U.S. newsman Tim Russert will have something to smile about as they bid farewell to the late broadcaster on Wednesday - he'll be among the first celebrity recipients of a patriotic honour.

Officials at the National Museum of Patriotism in Atlanta, Georgia had agreed to give Russert an award before his death last week.

The host of America's political news show Meet The Press will join country singer Lee Greenwood and actor Lou Gossett Jr. among the first celebrities to claim national patriotism awards.

The honours will be handed out at the end of the year.

A private funeral mass and burial for Russert took place on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. A televised memorial service will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington,

D.C. later on Wednesday.