Billy Dukes

Betsy Kingston is an artist to keep a close eye on. The Athens, Georgia born-and-raised songstress and her band the Crowns have covered the country quickly since forming one year ago. Playing 70 shows across America in support of the new ‘Blue Laws’ album is called paying one’s dues. From the sound of some songs on the new disc, Kingston has clearly anted up.

Despite being outnumbered 3-to-1, Craig Campbell had no trouble knocking off Gloriana during yesterday’s Showdown. His new song ‘Outta My Head’ is proving to be a hit with fans. He’s called upon them to support the first single from his upcoming album and they’ve responded in large numbers. That means more airplay for Campbell tonight on Taste of Country Nights radio as he takes on a new challenge

Grammy Award-winning songwriter Joe South has died. The popular singer, songwriter and studio musician wrote for hitmakers like Lynn Anderson, Elvis Presley and Billy Joe Royal after charting his own hit with ‘Games People Play’ in 1969. He had been in failing health, according to MusicRow.com.

Later this monthm Terri Gamble of Wichita Falls, Texas will be on a plane heading to West Palm Beach, Florida. The 27-year-old Taste of Country reader has won a flyaway to see Kristen Kelly, Brad Paisley and more at the Curzan Ampitheatre. And because we love our readers, her trip for two comes loaded with extras.

Taylor Swift has won two of the last three Entertainer of the Year trophies at the CMA Awards, but she’ll face four men equally as deserving at the 2012 show on Nov. 1. A strong case could make for all five artists announced as nominees on Wednesday (Sept. 5), but who do you think should win?

Fans want to know, so TOC Nights host Jeremy Robinson lets producer Todd share the camera, if only for a few seconds. The crew also make a big announcement about an upcoming in-studio guest.

Kellie Pickler has shaved her head. In a video that aired on ‘Good Morning America’ this morning, Pickler walked viewers and fans through the story of her friend Summer Holt Miller — who is currently fighting breast cancer — before revealing footage captured in these photos of both women with their beautiful locks buzzed.

Fans showed excitement for Craig Campbell‘s upcoming album by moving his new single ‘Outta My Head’ past Chris Cagle‘s ‘Let There Be Cowgirls’ to another day on the Taste of Country Showdown. The competition gets tougher today and tonight on Taste of Country Nights radio. The ‘Family Man’ singer will square off against one of the hottest new groups in country music.

Dixie Chick Emily Robison is resting today after giving birth to her fourth child, a girl, this morning. The singer delivered Violet Isabel Strayer at 3:01AM. A note at the trio’s page on Facebook says both baby and mom are doing well, and father Martin Strayer is happier than ever.

Brett Eldredge is a country newcomer with more talent than fame, but the latter may catch up to him after his new single ‘Don’t Ya’ finishes its radio run. The Illinois born-and-raised singer does all of the little things right on this tightly-produced cut from a long-promised debut album. We’re never blown away by his soulful voice, but we’re made aware of what he’s capable of by the end of a fir

The new single from Kix Brooks‘ first solo album since 1989 is a tribute to his wife, Barbara. In a video exclusive to Taste of Country, the singer explains the song, which is featured on ‘New to This Town,’ which will be released next Tuesday (Sept. 11). Fans can listen to the entire album right now at Amazon.

Alan Jackson has become the latest artist to have a song inducted into the Taste of Country Showdown Hall of Fame. By topping Darius Rucker‘s ‘True Believers’ on Monday, ‘You Go Your Way’ is retired, meaning two new songs square off today and tonight on Taste of Country Nights, a nationally syndicated radio show hosted by Jeremy Robinson.