“The greatest moment of my life was when they inducted me into the Grand Ole Opry. That’s a feeling you only feel once in a lifetime. And I’m glad I did.”

Check out some of the pictures from the night and let us know what your favorite album of Loretta’s is. Remember to click on the images to see them full-sized! All pictures are courtesy of the Opry / Chris Hollo.

(l-r) Pistol Annies, Crystal Gayle, Loretta Lynn, LeeAnn Womack.

Trace Adkins, Loretta Lynn.

See more pictures below:

(l-r) Steve Buchanan – President Grand Ole Opry Group, Trace Adkins, LeeAnn Womack, Crystal Gayle, Angaleena Presley, Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, Pete Fisher, vice-president and general manager Grand Ole Opry

Related posts:

1. Pistol Annies Making Opry Debut for Loretta Lynn
2. Zooey Deschanel to Play Loretta Lynn
3. Loretta Lynn Reschedules Performances Canceled by Illness

“There is no one at the OPRY, in Country music, or on Earth, quite like Loretta Lynn,” said Opry VP/GM Pete Fisher. “Her influence as a recording artist and songwriter reaches across musical genres, cultures, and generations. She’s earned her place among America’s musical icons, and we look forward to celebrating 50 years of Opry membership with her next month.”

The show will take place on Tuesday, September 25th – her exact 50th anniversary date. Tickets are available at opry.com.

Related posts:

1. Zooey Deschanel to Play Loretta Lynn
2. Loretta Lynn Reschedules Performances Canceled by Illness
3. Loretta Lynn Hospitalized

“I have a friend here tonight. I don’t know if ya’ll remember when Sissy Spacek was with me. I brought her out here with me. She about fainted. We both fainted. She went on to do the Coal Miner’s Daughter, and you know from there. Well, there’s a little girl back stage that’s going to do the play of Coal Miner’s Daughter on Broadway… Zooey, where you at honey? Are you going to help me sing Coal Miner’s Daughter?”

Zoey is currently the star of Fox’s “New Girl” series. The television actress is a GRAMMY and Golden Globe nominated actress.

Related posts:

1. TODAY IN HISTORY: Coal Miner’s Daughter Reaches Number One
2. Loretta Lynn Reschedules Performances Canceled by Illness
3. Loretta Lynn Hospitalized

The Richmond, Texas resident is only 16 years old, but she’s already accomplished more than many artists twice her age.  When she was 12 she landed a spot as a feature singer with KidzBop, which had her touring the nation performing before thousands of fans each night.

Then when she was only 14, she recorded her first album, “Crazy Good,” which came out last year.  The album not only showcases her singing, but also her skill as a songwriter.  She co-wrote six of the album’s nine tracks.

On most weekends you can find her performing at one the many Oprys or Squares in the Houston area.  It’s there that she not only sings songs that are inline with today’s pop-country, but also tips her hat to traditional country by singing the songs of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and the like.

She loves the small stages, but Mary Sarah is no stranger to the area’s big arenas.  She’s performed the National Anthem for both the Houston Astros and the Houston Texans.  But her most noticeable stage performance (at least for now) came in 2011 when the Oak Ridge Boys invited her onstage to sing.  The then 15-year-old brought the crowd to its feet with her a cappella version of Connie Francis’ “Where The Boys Are.”  (See a video of that performance below.)

It’s clear that the Oak Ridge Boys see a bright future for her.  They’re not alone.  The fast lane may be calling, but for now Mary Sarah is taking it slow and enjoying her high school years.  Yes, she’s dreaming of serving up hits, but she’s also dreaming about perfecting her serve as a member of the varsity tennis team.  Plus, like every other high school student, she’s waiting to finally get her driver’s license and first car.  (She’s hoping for a VW Beetle!)

No matter what comes of her career, she knows she wants to help others.  As she puts it, “I want to be a voice for those who need one.”  She’s heavily involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  It’s a very personal project for her as her brother has been living with the disease for ten years and even needed a liver transplant.

Mary Sarah took time out her busy schedule for an interview via email.  Just what every high school student wants:  a writing assignment!  But in this case, I don’t think she minded the extra work.  As you will read, it’s evident she has a passion for music, an extraordinary love of family and a deep respect and appreciation for those who have come before her.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a singer and has country music always been your passion?

I was around 8 years old playing piano and my teacher brought it to my parents’ attention that I was constantly singing with the song and that I had really good pitch.  I started lessons around 10 and then landed the KidzBop Tour…on stage was when I had “that moment” that I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.  I started out thinking POP music…but I fell in love with story telling in a country song.

As you just mentioned, you spent time on tour with the KidzBop concert series. That was when you were 12.  What did you take from that experience that you still use today?

SO MUCH FUN and hard work.  Life on the road was not easy but I loved every minute of it…the afternoon practices before the show and meeting all the kids after the show.  I learned that I could do more than I thought and that all I needed to do was try…when you try and do your best you can never fail!

Right now you’re still in high school.  How hard is it juggling school, extra-curricular activities and your singing?

My life is busy but I don’t think any busier than a lot of motivated high school students.  I probably travel more than most but everyone around me helps me keep my schedule straight!  When I feel overwhelmed I just take a deep breath, pray and tell myself I can handle it.

Family seems to be a large part of not just you as a performer, but you as a person. How important is your family in everything that you do?

Mega.  They are my top priority.  I think sharing my gift with the ones I love is the best. My family is blessed….we love to hang out together and we can make each other laugh and we help each other stay focused.

You’ve mentioned that Carrie Underwood is one of your idols.  Have you considered trying to literally follow in her footsteps and audition for American Idol or The Voice?

Yes, I have been approached to audition, but when it comes down to it I want to finish high school and have all the experiences that you only get once in your life.  I have my whole life to use my gift and I have been given the opportunities to not be in a hurry!  I am learning a lot!  If I remember correctly Carrie was 18 when she tried out…so if doors that I currently am walking through begin to close I may talk about it again with my parents.

Speaking of the The Voice, I have a pair of questions for you from Team Blake’s RaeLynn, another talented Texan teen who actually lives very near you.  First: What was it like writing with her cousin, Leeland Mooring of the progressive worship band Leeland?

Oh my gosh…please let her know that we are rooting for her and that she is doing an awesome job!  Writing with Leeland was overwhelming.  He is amazing and the evening flew by so quickly because you can listen to him sing and preach all night!  He is a fantastic person and an unbelievable songwriter and performer.  We first fell in love with LeeLand (the band) when we attended a worship gathering years ago.

Second, RaeLynn asks:  Would you ever write with her?

First I would love to meet her face to face!  I have had dinner with her Aunt’s family and cousins but she was in L.A. at the time.  I think two sassy Texans like us could work out some great lyrics!!  It would be an honor!

Your song “New Crush,” which you wrote with your sister Emilee, took 2nd place in the Teen Division of the 2010 International Songwriting Competition.  How did that add to your confidence as a songwriter?

It was awesome to have that recognition but honestly…I have a long way to go when writing.  I have been around so many wonderful writers that I am very intimidated.  I think there will always be a part of me that thinks that…I feel like singing and performing comes much more naturally.  So needless to say I wanna write with the best in the business!

You released your first album, Crazy Good, last year.  For the most part, the songs speak about the life of a 14-year-old girl, which you were at the time you recorded it.  Due to your age and the subject matter, the comparisons to Taylor Swift are inevitable.  What’s your reaction when people compare you and your music to Taylor?

It’s a great honor.  She has told some amazing stories through her songs.  They captivate you and you lose yourself in them.  That is what I want to do with my music.  She has also been a great role model for young women like me getting in to country music.  She is simple with a very big heart towards her fans…and she loves putting on a great performance.  I imagine myself on the stage whenever I see her in concert!  I just want to affect people in a positive way and I believe she has done that.

The songs on Crazy Good are country, pop-country and a bit of rock.  But you’re a huge fan of traditional country.  How did someone so young fall in love with old school country?

After KidzBop I was in LA for a while and decided it just wasn’t the thing for me.  I wrote some songs and had them produced but the lifestyle and everything that goes along with it just didn’t work for our family.  I came back to Texas wondering what I was going to do next…my dad mentioned the Opry’s and some of the songs that I would need to sing.  I was reminded that the first song I sang on a stage was “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” so I said I would give it a shot.  I started with “Crazy” by Patsy Cline and the rest was history.

I learned so much researching the traditional country and I learned a lot about my voice and what I could make it do.  I also fell in love with the Opry audience…it’s like I have so many grandma and grandpa’s cheering me on in my career.  I hope to bring back the old traditional and add some new that just says “Mary Sarah”!  My all time favorite to perform of course is “Where The Boys Are” by Connie Francis.  But I love “Jolene” by Dolly and so many others.  I think if I could add that dueting with my dad and our friend Moses has been lots of fun too!

What is your reaction when encounter younger people (and some older ones) who have never listened to the likes of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline or Merle Haggard?

I start to sing a song or two for them and tell them they are missing out on some of the best country music ever written.  They think I am a little crazy till they hear me sing them!  I hope it has that effect on my generation.

How important is it for the next generation of country performers to carry on the tradition that was established by those who came before them?

Very…honoring those that have gone before me is soooooo important.  My parents taught me that and the more I realize they are right the more blessed I am.  There is a part of those songs that just touch your soul in a way that other music does not.  Very simple lyrics with deep, deep meaning!

Do you have any projects coming up that we should be on the lookout for?

Yes, I do but unfortunately I can not tell you much about the current project.  I can tell you it is the greatest thing I have ever done to date and I am overwhelmed at the opportunities I have had this past year.  I believe I will always look back at this time in my life and pinch myself because what I am doing will last forever!!!  I promise that when I get to tell…you will be one of the first!

Finally, I’d like to give you an open forum to say anything you would like for people to know about you, your music or whatever’s on your mind.  The floor is yours:

I would like to tell people it is very important to just be yourself, NEVER compromise who you are and be true to yourself.  Everyone may not like you but you will always like yourself!

Never chase after popularity or fame just focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses.  Also, don’t be in a hurry.  You only go around one time!  (lol, that’s from my song “One Time Around”)

*******

Mary Sarah’s “Crazy Good” is available on iTunes HERE.  You can keep up with her at her website, on Facebook and on Twitter @MarySarahMusic.  Plus, check out her music channel on YouTube.

Related posts:

1. 2012 Artists To Watch: J.T. Hodges
2. 2012 Artist To Watch: Jana Kramer
3. 2012 Artists To Watch: Dustin Lynch

That’s just part of the aftermath of the storms that ripped through the Midwest and the South on Friday and into Saturday. Now the rebuilding begins.

As reported by Jessica Blankenship at Examiner.com, some of the hardest hit areas include the Kentucky hometowns of country stars.  The hometown areas of Angaleena Presley of the Pistol Annies (Beauty, KY), Loretta Lynn (Butcher Holler, KY) and Keith Whitley (Sandy Hook, KY) all suffered tornado damage.

Those may be some famous faces you can associate with the storms, but it’s the everyday people who need everyone’s help and support.

The storms stretched across Indiana to Georgia, affecting about 17 million people in the process.  But Kentucky was hit particularly hard.  Out of 39 reported deaths, 21 of them are from Kentucky.

You can help by donating to the Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999 or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or www.redcross.org.

If you live in Kentucky or just want to learn more about how to help victims in the Bluegrass State, Jessica Blankenship has complied a large list of ways to help out.  You can see that info (along with her original posting) at Examiner.com by clicking here.

Now is the time for all of us to come together to show that Country cares!

Related posts:

1. Country Stars Team Up For Grammy Cares Auction
2. Kelly Clarkson Joined Blake and Reba Tonight to Raise Money for Tornado Victims
3. Thompson Square Auctions Off Dress For Alabama Tornado Victims

It’s been a little more than three weeks since the 17-year-old made a super splash immediately after the Super Bowl.  The native of Baytown, Texas led off the show’s second season by landing a spot on Blake Shelton’s team (turning down a chance to work with Adam Levine).  Blake tried to entice her to join his team by telling the teen, “I can make you a country star.”  He pretty much had her from the moment he turned his chair, which was a feat in itself as she bravely chose to sing a song by her inspiration and Blake’s wife, Miranda Lambert.

RaeLynn may be one of the youngest members of Team Blake, but that doesn’t mean she’s inexperienced.  She’s part of a large, musically inclined family (she has seven brothers and sisters) and has been performing for most of her life.  Two of her cousins are in the GRAMMY-nominated progressive worship band, “Leeland.”  As for her own career, she spent a lot of time in summer school, allowing her to finish high school two years early so she could try her hand at acting.  But it turned out that her life in L.A. had her leaning back toward music.

Now she’s back in the business with her eyes on the prize.  That includes competing on The Voice and beyond.

We have to start by asking about your blind audition.  Last season, two singers sang a Miranda Lambert song and both times Blake didn’t turn his chair.  Yet, you started the whole show by singing “Hell On Heels,” her hit with the Pistol Annies.  Were you confident, crazy or both?

I watched last season and in the back of my mind and I was kinda concerned because he didn’t turn around for anybody who sang one of his wife’s songs.  It’s his wife so they’re gonna be compared to her.

But I have been listening to Miranda Lambert since I was 11 years old.  I bought her first record, Kerosene, and I listened to it so much my dog could even sing it! (Laughs)  It was just ridiculous!  I absolutely adore Miranda Lambert:  her voice, her lyrics; everything about her.

I thought it was almost right for me to sing a Miranda Lambert song or a Pistol Annies song because she’s influenced me so much.  I just prayed to God that he would turn around because I felt like I had brought something different to the table.  I didn’t sound like her.  I think there’s a difference between imitating someone and then being yourself.  So I thought I sounded different.  I was kinda leaning on that.

By the way, what’s a girl from a religious family (both her parents are pastors) doing singing “Hell On Hells”?

(Laughs)  My Mom raised me right!  She actually doesn’t worry about it.  She was just ecstatic for me to be even on the show.  I told her what song I wanted to sing and she actually loves that song.

My Mom’s motto is “you can cuss and you can pray.”  My Mom is just a normal Southern woman.  In Texas it’s all the same!  We all love that song here!  It doesn’t matter! (Laughs

Before picking Blake, you paused a little bit.  Were you honestly considering Adam or were you giving a pause of the dramatic cause?

They asked me when I first auditioned who would be my first pick and I said Blake Shelton.  They asked who would be my second pick and I said definitely Adam Levine.

So Adam Levine was always my second pick and I didn’t expect him to turn around.  I just didn’t expect it.  He was just so picky!  I didn’t think he would turn around.  I was just a long shot for him to turn around.

When he did turn around it was like a validation to me that I actually had a different voice.  It just made me excited.  And he was just fighting so hard.  It amazed me how much he was fighting for me.  But then Blake was fighting just as hard.

I was just thinking in my head, “He told me I had something more than country.”   Then I thought my heart’s country and really don’t want to do anything else, so I’m just gonna stick to my original pick.  And I really wanted to meet Miranda!  And I really wanted to be influenced by Blake and Miranda because I’ve been listening to them my whole life.  I thought that would just be right.

So that’s what I did.  But I actually was thinking about going with Adam for a little bit! (Laughs)

Not only did you win over Blake, but you won over Miranda, too.  After your segment aired, she tweeted about you calling you a cutie and a badass.  What was your reaction when you saw that?

(Laughs)  There were so many emotions that day!  My phone was on sensory overload.  Literally it was a non-stop buzz.  It was like, “buzzzzzzzzzz!” and it wasn’t stoppin’!

It was just amazing to me!  I was getting Twitters out the wazoo, so I passed her tweet up.  I was flipping out and my friend said, “Oh, my God!  Miranda Lambert just tweeted you!”  And I was like, “No, she didn’t!”  So then I just jumped up and down and I read it and I was like flippin’ out.  I was like, “Oh, my gosh!  She called me a badass!”  I retweeted it and tweeted her back and everything.  It was just so cool!

Some people had asked me if I had to fake her being my idol for the show.  When I say that I’m sincerely like her biggest fan, I totally mean that 100%!  None of that was put on.

That’s what I love about the show.  They want you to stick to who you are.  That’s what I love so much about The Voice.

Miranda will be serving as an advisor for Team Blake, so that means you’ll be getting to work with directly with her.  For any aspiring country singer, just being able to work with Blake would be amazing.  How do you describe the opportunity to get to work with Blake and Miranda?

Being able to work with Blake is a dream come true.  Having the input from Blake and Miranda, both together, is even more amazing!

Miranda is the girl in country music right now.  She is it.  She has such a voice in country music.  To have her speak into my life is incredible.

Oh, and let’s not forget the other advisor for Team Blake:  Kelly Clarkson.

I know!  They’re both amazing!  I’ve been thinking about this:  They (Miranda and Kelly) have both been through a show like this, too.  Miranda was on Nashville Star and Kelly was on American Idol, so they know what this feels like.  I thought Blake was very smart to bring them in as advisors.

Your episode of the show premiered right after the Super Bowl and had an audience of more than 37 million people!  Prior to that, what was the largest crowd you had performed for?

I performed at I-POP, this little international presentation of performers thing, and I sang in front of about one thousand people.  A thousand is like a tiny bit compared to 37 million.  It would take a billion tours to be in front of that many people!  It was so many people!  (Laughs)

I had no idea I was going to be number one.  I had no idea I was going to be the first one aired.  The Voice people just told me I was going to be in the first episode.  They didn’t tell me I was going to be the first one of the whole season!

Because you kicked off the show, did it make it easier for you because everyone had to keep it as secret whether or not they passed their blind audition?  It was only a few minutes and you were able to finally let go of the secret.

Oh, yeah!  Especially in the small town where I live.  I was so thankful..  The Voice people just told us to say “Tune in February 5^th!”  I was just praying I was going to be on February 5^th.  Some people found out just last night that they were on a team.  So they’ve had to wait almost another month.

I was thankful I was on the first episode so the cat was out of the bag.  It’s been so much easier.  I’m so thankful.

You have a huge family.  How tough was it to not tell them?

Oh, my whole family knew!  How could I not tell them!  They’re just so nosy!  (Laughs) And they know everything about me!

So my immediate family knew.  My three cousins and my Aunt; we all knew how far I made it.  But everybody outside of that – to keep my family quiet – now that was the hard part!  But we did it! (Laughs)

From your blind audition, we learned that your voice can be soft and sweet.  But it can also be very big, bold and brassy.  How would you describe your sound?

I have two sides to my voice.  I can get into that real big, gritty country-rock kinda voice.  Then I can get down to that folksy, real sweet country voice.

I’ve been singing my whole life, but I really took the time this last couple of years to just sit and write and just take time with my voice and I’ve developed this unique sound.

It’s kinda hard for me to explain it, but I think it sounds real old-country.  It’s not pop-country.  It’s more of an old-country sound.  I’ve been highly influence by Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn and different old-country artists.  I love it that I have that old-country sound because that’s where it all started.

We’ve talked with your friend and Team Adam member, Nicolle Galyon (read our interview with her here), who told us she encouraged you to try out for The Voice.  How much of a difference did she make in helping you decide to go for it?

I recently had signed with a manager and was going back and forth to Nashville getting to write with amazing writers in the country industry and Nicolle was one of them.

For some reason Nicolle thought I was a pop artist.  But then when she heard me talkin’ in my big country accent, she was like, “That girl can’t be pop!”  She told me to sing her a song, so I sang her one of my original songs called “Baby, That’s My Type.”   She then said, “Please tell me you’re going to audition for The Voice.”  And I said I wasn’t even thinking about it.  She said, “You know they’re coming in a couple of days.”

We were writing on a Thursday and The Voice auditions were that coming Sunday.  I didn’t think it would be fair for me to do it since I was already working with country writers and focusing on my music.  I just didn’t think about it.

Then she was like, “No!  You have to audition!  I’ll give you my spot to audition!”  I had just met her, by the way.  And I said, “Don’t give me your spot to audition!”  But she insisted, saying, “No, I’m giving it to you!”  So I said, “Oh, God!  Okay!”

I auditioned and made it to the top 200.  I had lost her number.  Then we saw each other at the top 200 and I almost had a heart attack when I saw her!  I was like, “If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have even auditioned!”  Then to see both me and her both in the final 48 was just a dream come true for me.  It’s just so cool.

You two actually made a rap about the story you just told us (see the video below).  It’s all in fun, but it also shows a lot of collaborating has been going on between the contestants.  How much have you appreciated being around all of those talented people?

We were all together for a very long time.  And they told us that we couldn’t leave the hotel sometimes.  I would be kinda sad that we couldn’t leave, but then I thought about it.  I realized I will never be in this place again; surrounded by so many talented people.  So I took it all in.

Being around so many talented people who share the same passion as you, was just amazing to me.  To just talk to them…and they had the same goals as you.  Everybody has a different story.  For some people, their parents aren’t as excited about them doing music.  Some people have been doing music since they were two.  Some have only been singing for ten months.

Everybody has a different story, but everybody comes together with the passion of singing.  It was amazing to me to see so many people wanting to have this as a career and just love to sing.

Does the support and admiration you have for everybody change now that you’re headed to the battle rounds?

One thing I can say about this show is, of course we’re gonna be competitive people, but we’re all happy for each other.  When I comes to battles or it came to whoever made a team; we’re just excited to be where we are; to be one of 48.

If I didn’t make it any further, I’d be happy because I made it to the 48 on The Voice.  That’s what all of us thought about.  We’re all happy for each other.

When was it that you made the decision that music is what you wanted to pursue as your career?

My whole family sings, so I wanted to break out of the box and do something different.  So when I was 15, I started acting.

I went to this convention and I started acting and I got 25 call-backs from agents and managers.  So I moved to L.A.  But I wasn’t getting lots of auditions, so I started singing again.  Then I started writing and that’s how I met my music manager and that’s how, really, all of those doors started opening.

I still love to act and it’s still one of my passions.  I graduated early to do acting, but I realized that during all my downtime in California I was singing – I wasn’t acting.  I realized that music was still my passion.  So that’s when I started singing again.

What do you hope to get from your time on The Voice.

My overall goal from this show is to get fans and to also just get a record deal.  I’m just praying that (if I don’t win) someone picks me up after this.  I’m giving 150% to this because this is what I love to do.

I’m just praying that I get some fans that’ll stick with me.  And then I’ve got an awesome person like Blake.  I’m just praying that Blake will help me and I know he will.  That’s another reason I picked Blake because I saw the way he treated his artists last year and I wanted someone like that behind me.

You’ve seen that Blake’s taken Dia Frampton (last year’s The Voice runner-up) out on tour with him.  Is that a dream that’s too big at this stage of the game or is it “if I keep working then someday that can be me,” too?

I’m so happy for her!  I bet she can’t even believe that’s happening for her out of just The Voice.  I would’ve never dreamed of that.  It would be so cool if that happened to me and I’m praying.  Whatever happens is God’s will.  So I’m just kinda hoping.  But if I do good in the competition, you never know!

Obviously, you’d love to win The Voice, but if you don’t, you can again look to Miranda Lambert.  She took third place during her season on Nashville Star and has done just fine.  Does she show for you that you don’t have to take the title to be a winner?

You know what?  That’s exactly what I think!  My Momma tells me all the time:  “You don’t have to win this show to do well.”  Sometimes on American Idol, the people who took second do better than the winners.

I realize if I win it will be amazing and if I don’t win and I just make it to the Top 48 or the Top 24 or the Top 10, it’s all what is supposed to happy and I’m just lucky to be on the show.

Will you share with us something that your fans probably don’t know about you?

The funny thing about me is that I love country music, but I absolutely love the Sweeney Todd record!  I know it’s weird, but Sweeney Todd is one of my favorite plays!  (Laughs)  It’s really gory and stuff, but I love the music in it and I listen to it all the time.  I’m like, “(singing) I feel you, Johanna!”  (Laughs)

I love that record and I love the Lion King record!  A lot of people don’t expect that from me, but I listen to a lot of movie soundtracks.  I also have the Tron soundtrack.  “The Grid” I freakin’ love!  I feel like I’m in a movie when I’m in the car.  I love movie soundtracks.   I know that’s kinda weird!  (Laughs)

Finally, I’d like to open it up for you to say whatever you would like.  The floor is yours:

I just want to say I’m so thankful to have such amazing fans behind me.  To get the tweets everyday like “You’re my favorite!  I hope you win!” and “#teamRaeLynn” — it’s just like a dream come true that people are on my team and rooting for me.

I just want to say thank you to all of my fans.  Thank you to NBC for putting me on the show.  Thank you to Blake Shelton.  And thank you to Keepin It Country for doing this interview.  I’m so thankful to be here and so thankful for all y’all!

*******

To keep up with RaeLynn, “like” her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

Here’s RaeLynn’s “Hell On Heels” blind audition.  Try not to smile when Blake first does:

Related posts:

1. EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Nicolle Galyon From “The Voice”
2. EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Dia & Meg Frampton of Meg & Dia

The album’s been out for more than four months now and has received a mountain of critical acclaim.  All of the praise is well-deserved as the release is as solid as its name and was one of the best of 2011.

Once you hear the very first note out of the Texas native’s mouth, there’s no mistaking you’re listening to country.  Fact is, from top to bottom, this album is 100% pure country.  That’s worth noting because more and more country albums are including songs that play as pop or rock.  Not so with “Concrete.”  But would you expect anything else from an artist who performs with a guitar that features autographs from Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard  and Little Jimmy Dickens?  Plus, there’s the Haggard tribute “Mama Tried” tatoo on her right wrist.  That’s literally wearing her allegiance to country on her sleeve.

By now you should be familiar with at least two of the album’s ten tracks.  “From A Table Away” served as the lead-off single, of sorts.  It originally appeared on a self-titled five-track EP and landed Sweeney her first Top 10 hit.  Next came “Staying’s Worse Than Leaving,”  which Sweeney says tells the story of her own marriage that had been falling apart for some time and eventually ended in divorce.   It’s an honest and unflinching look at a love gone stale, but for reasons unknown, it failed to find the same chart success.

“Drink Myself Single” is Sweeney’s current single.  This is the one song on the album that gives us a taste of her incredible sense of humor.  Before focusing full-time on her music, Sweeney worked in improv comedy.  If you want a good laugh, follow her on Twitter (@gettinsweenered).  Blake Shelton may be the undisputed king of country comedy on Twitter, but we soon might crown Sweeney as queen.

The Big Machine Records artist co-wrote eight songs on the album and in doing so, she shared a lot of her personal pain (like with “Staying’s Worse Than Leaving”).  The open, honest and sometimes blunt way she paints her songs is a major part of her appeal.  Life’s not perfect, but the way Sweeney presents it darn near is.

Sweeney spent part of last year touring with Brad Paisley and his “H2O: Wetter & Wilder” tour.  She’s yet to announce tour plans for 2012.  Once she does, do yourself a favor and see if she’s playing anywhere near you.  In the meantime, give “Concrete” a second, third or fortieth look and listen.

Rating:  9/10

Check out:  “The Old Me”  and “Helluva Heart”

(Side note:  Sorry guys, but Sunny’s no longer single.  She and Texas police officer Jeff Helmer got married in Las Vegas on November 11th.  That’s right — 11-11-11.  She’s since commemorated the union in ink.  She got “XI” tattooed on her bicep.  That’s one anniversary that’ll be hard to forget!)

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2. This Week’s Shows at the Opry

Learn about the auction, register and bid by clicking here.

We’re making this posting with a little bit more than a day to go before the auction ends (8pm Central Time on 12/22).  That still leaves you with plenty of time to get your bids in.  For example, at the time of this writing, there is a Kenny Chesney package featuring items from his 2009 Sun City Carnival tour (including two t-shirts and an autographed picture) that had a high bid of only $9!  Now that would make a fine (and cheap) Christmas gift!

Other artists with items in the auction include:  Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler, James Otto, Travis Tritt, Jerrod Niemann, Jamie O’Neal, Bo Bice, Josh Gracin, Clint Black, Heidi Newfield, Rodney Atkins, Toby Keith, Joe Nichols, and Keith Anderson.

Along with the country music items, the auction also offers many sports-related items.

Again, this online auction is to support homeless families as they receive the necessary tools to return into a home of their own with stable employment and secured housing.  Safe Haven Family Shelter is the only shelter-to-housing program of its kind in Middle Tennessee that accepts the entire homeless family.

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2. Country Stars Team Up For Grammy Cares Auction
3. Miranda Lambert Fans Still Need Your Help!

Loretta released a new version of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” in September 2010 with Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert. The trio performed it for the first time together on the 2010 Country Music Association awards. The trio version peaked on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart at #55 in December 2010 and appeared on Loretta’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn” album. On the release of this single, Loretta became the first female singer in history to release a single over six decades. This version of the song has been nominated for several awards, including CMA Musical Event Of The Year.

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1. Miranda Lambert Makes History With Four The Record
2. Loretta Lynn Reschedules Performances Canceled by Illness
3. Trace Adkins’ 9 Year-Old Daughter Saves Puppies From Fire

Tonight, catch Kellie performing “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” on the CMA Country Christmas special airing at 9 pm EST on ABC. Next week, Kellie will join Michael Buble on his first holiday special “A Michael Buble Christmas.” Her duet with Michael on “White Christmas” airs on Tuesday, December 6th.

“Michael and the entire cast was so warm and welcoming,” said Kellie. “They made me feel all ‘Buble,’” she laughed

Kellie Pickler is anxious to release her new album in January, which she feels showcases her more traditional country roots. “100 Proof” was influenced by artists like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette.

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2. Lauren Alaina Is Taking Over Your TV This Holiday Season
3. Kellie Pickler Set To Perform During ‘A Michael Buble Christmas’