While I do love a good country ditty here and there (especially from the ladies), I don’t watch the Academy of Country Music Awards. Clearly, I’m in the minority since the 2013 telecast scored huge ratings last night, improving upon its showing the previous year. Perhaps it was all the talent scheduled to appear that brought in viewers. Even though I didn’t sit down and watch the 2013 ACMs, I was intrigued enough to check out a few of the performances today. With two of my favorite American Idol alums performing with a bit of Jewel mixed in, how could I not.

The OG American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, looked like she recycled her Easter brunch outfit to sing “Don’t Rush.” Carrie Underwood rode up on stage in a car to belt out “Two Black Cadillacs.” Taylor Swift joined Tim McGraw to perform “Highway Don’t Care” and Jewel did a countrified medley of “Hands” and “Fill A Heart.” Lastly, and certainly not least, Miranda Lambert slayed “Mama’s Broken Heart.” Speaking of Lambert, even though she picked up a few statues, she lost out on the big award, “Entertainer Of The Year,” to Luke Bryan. Oh well, at least she had her sexy husband, Blake Shelton, to console her. Check out each of the ladies doing their thing below.

Too bad Shania Twain and Faith Hill didn’t perform on stage as well. I guess they were too busy singing to Stevie Wonder in the audience. Side note: How odd was it to have the R&B legend close out the country show and pairing him up with teen heartthrob country singer Hunter Hayes to boot? Totally random if you ask me.

watch the ladies perform after the jump

Who did America feel didn’t rock out enough for “Classic Rock” night? Will the trend of a male elimination continue? I hope so, and in particular Lazaro. Sadly, I don’t think that’s going to happen because he turned in a solid performance. That might’ve reignited his fan base. In my recap yesterday, I hoped for a Lazaro-Burnell bottom two, but thought a Burnell-Janelle one was more realistic. Let’s find out if I was right.

On deck to perform tonight were Season 9 alum Casey James and Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood. I wonder if these Idol updates are a result of production’s difficulty to lure established artists now that American Idol has lost its luster? Either way, I kinda enjoy seeing some of the lesser-known ones pop up. Everyone knows what happened to Carrie (love her video package BTW) but what about Casey? Now we know, thanks to his update clip. Apparently, he has a decent country career going. Good for him. Love that he bought presents for the Top 7.

Before the results, Ryan Seacrest revealed who each judge had in their respective Top 3 was. Prior to the show, Nigel Lythgoe browbeat them for their thoughts without telling what he was using them for. At least that’s what Nicki claimed. For the most part, they all agreed with exception to Mariah whose list was one contestant off. Check out their picks below. Question is… would they line up with America’s Top 3?

• Keith Urban: Kree Harrison, Angie Miller, Amber Holcomb
• Nicki Minaj: Kree Harrison, Angie Miller, Amber Holcomb
• Randy Jackson: Kree Harrison, Angie Miller, Amber Holcomb
• Mariah Carey: Kree Harrison, Amber Holcomb, Candice Glover

find out who was eliminated after the jump

Since we’re in the Hollywood Week phase of American Idol Season 12, I thought it was a perfect time to catch up on some of our favorite alums. We’re one step closer to crowning this year’s winner. He/She or some of this season’s finalists might find themselves on this list in the coming years.

Forbes recently released their annual list ranking former American Idol contestants. Taking into account record sales, concert tours, acting jobs and other money-making gigs, the publication gives the low down on the earning power of your favorite Idol alums.

Last year’s top dog Carrie Underwood, loses her crown and drops to runner-up status. Making his debut on the list is Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery. He clocks in at No. 4. His addition bumps off Fantasia Barrino and Clay Aiken from the list. The two ranked No. 4 and No. 9 respectively on the previous rankings. Check out who’s the HBIC on the Idol campus now. I think you might have a good idea. Here’s a hint… they’re “stronger” than ever. I’ve also embedded each singer’s most recent music video below for those who aren’t familiar with everyone’s post-Idol career. Hope you enjoy the list.

check out the Forbes ranking after the jump

With the new season of American Idol back under way, it seems appropriate that one of the most successful Idol’s from the show debut a new music video. Glamorous country music superstar, Carrie Underwood has just released the music video for her single, “Black Cadillacs“. This is the third single from her album, Blown Away.

The music video tells the cryptic story of a marriage that started at an alter and ended at a cemetery. The music video is actually based on a Stephen King novel and naturally is pretty dark for Underwood – but I like it! The song is about a married woman who plans on killing her cheating husband who has a mistress. The mistress is unaware the man is married. Perhaps one should think about the potential consequences “Before He Cheats“. LOL – I couldn’t resist.

The video was directed by directed by P.R. Brown and filmed back in early November. After much teasing, it’s finally out and you can watch it below.

Video after the jump…

American Idol’s 12th season premieres tonight and it’s only fitting that we catch up with one of the most successful artists to come from the FOX singing competition. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood took a break from her world tour to pose for Allure magazine’s February 2013 issue. Her covers must sell well for the publication since this is her third time gracing one.

Photographed by Alexi Lubormirski, Underwood is the epitome of understated country glamor. The shoot took place at the historic Overholser Mansion in Oklahoma City. With her blond locks and high fashion threads by Burberry Prorsum and Calvin Klein to name a few, Carrie leaves her fans “Blown Away” with her approachable beauty.

In the accompany interview, Carrie answers a wide array of questions. From her sexy stage outfits to her marriage to NHL player Mike Fisher, everything is covered. Speaking of marriage, the 29-year-old country superstar voices her stance on gay marriage. She also talks about ABC’s country soap Nashville and if any of the characters resemble her. Check out photos and quotes from the February issue below.

check out more images after the jump

I’m not sure how this list was compiled because it seems a little odd. DoSomething.org recently unveiled their annual Top 20 list of “Celebs Gone Good” and Taylor Swift is apparently the most giving in Hollywood. Not to discredit Swift’s generous donations, but is she really the No. 1 charitable celebrity out there? If she is, then the others really need to step up their do-gooding game.

The 23-year-old “Trouble” singer stands atop of the heap due to her $4 million donation to the Country Hall of Fame Museum which is the largest sum ever donated to the organization. She’s also cited for all tremendous work for young people battling cancer and being the youngest person to ever receive the Ripple of Hope Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Center for her charity work.

Others making the list include Carrie Underwood, Channing Tatum, Ben Affleck and Miley Cyrus. It’s interesting how Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez rank separately, while Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone and Jay-Z & Beyonce are grouped together. There are definitely a couple of surprises including Ian Somerhalder. Not that he doesn’t strike me as a giving person. It’s just you never hear much about his good deeds. Find out who the runner-up is and the rest of the Top 20 below.

check out the entire Top 20 after the jump

When NBC announced it was planning on remaking the seminal musical for the small screen, I nearly had a heart attack. One on hand, I was excited to see what the Smash producers would have in store for us. On the other hand, The Sound of Music is truly one of my favorite things and tinkering around with a classic is difficult endeavor. I have faith though that Craig Zadan and Neil Meron won’t let me down. After all, they did work on the film versions of Hairspray and Chicago.

“It isn’t our intention to produce a remake of the movie version of ‘The Sound of Music’ – that would be artistic blasphemy,” Craig Zadan says in a statement. “What we want to do, instead, is to give audiences a completely fresh experience of this great Tony Award-winning stage musical in the form of a classic television event, combined with the spontaneity of a live performance. And all of the actors will be singing live; there will be no lip-synching to pre-recordings.”

As with any great musical, casting is key. If you don’t have the right person playing the lead parts, you’re up sh*t creek without a paddle. Maria Von Trapp is definitely one of the most iconic roles in musical history. Trying to follow in the footsteps of Julie Andrews is a tall order. Let’s face it. Anyone who’s cast in NBC’s remake is going to have a few naysayers. Personally, I love their choice. Find out who it is below.

find out who after the jump

Last night, the annual Country Music Awards took place last night with hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. These two had taken on the role in the past and continue to make such a great and entertaining pair on stage.

Their opening number was a success and had the audience laughing and smiling from ear to ear. Underwood and Paisley through a little shade at the whole Taylor Swift and Connor Kennedy breakup situation with a few jokes they made when discussing sports trades this past year. “The biggest trade of the year was in the Kennedy family,” Brad joked. “It was the Kennedy’s trading Arnold Schwarzenegger for Taylor Swift.” Yikes! Underwood then whispers to him that their relationship is over and they go back & forth having some fun with Taylor’s “Never Ever Getting Back Together” song.

As you can see from the picture, the two hosts also find themselves dancing to “Gangnam Style” at one point as well which was quite funny. Watch the video of the opening of this years CMAs below.

Watch their opening after the jump…