Dancing To The Country

Dancing comes and goes in popularity. Pop fad dances were all over the place in the 50's and 60's. Country linedancing may be on its way back in 2006. New Year's Eve at Nashville's Wildhorse saw capacity dance lessons. Young and old, men and women were kicking and stepping to the hits.

Dance music has always been a sales item, too. Just ask Trace Adkins about his "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk." It's the number one most played song in American country dance clubs in 2005.

Politics and show biz are anything but strange bedfellows. From Arnold to Reagan, stars have often sought the stage of politics. Tim McGraw is talking to the nation's media again about running for political office. Now instead of the US Senate, it is for Governor of Tennessee. Tim says it will be another 10 years, but he likes the thought of Governor McGraw. Faith will make a fine First Lady. Tim says he is a Democrat.

Awards and pageants fill the cards for celebrities in the first 3 months of the year. Golden Globes are on with Tim as a presenter this week. Grammy's are coming in early February. Look for the Oscars in March with the "Walk the Line" people. Miss America is coming to CMT on January 21.

Jeff Foxworthy was asked back to host the CMT Music awards in April. The Oscars are going with Jon Stewart, but they may not be 100% happy about that.

Nashville Star has hopes of becoming more of a hitmaker this year. Wynonna and Cowboy Troy host the show that kicks off in March. Big and Rich are the first celebrity guests.

Dean Miller is among the Nashville Star finalists. One of 42.

Cyndi Thomson is coming back to work. Left the business in 2002 and wants back in. She will again be on Capitol.

The gossip pits are smoking again this week as news of Kenny and Renee eating lunch in Franklin made the rounds. Not sure what the deal was, but the PR people say the 2 are just good friends. No remarriage. Kenny ought to be announcing his tour dates very shortly.

Nicole and Keith: Nothing new. She's been in NYC at a charity banquet. Who knows what's going on in that deal.

Daryl Worley is signing a new record deal in days. We hear he'll land at 903 Records, where Neal McCoy records.

There's still no Man in Black cast in the Broadway version of Johnny's musical life. March 12 is the opening night curtain, and has NO one has been cast as big John. 38 songs with no connecting material. It tested well outside New York, so we shall see. Go to a Tower Records and you will find no shortage of music and DVDs on Mr. Cash's legendary career.

Carrie Underwood's old show cranks up this week. American Idol is back and I bet the Row would love another star like Carrie tossed in their direction. 2 million in sales and a great single. The handling of Carrie into Country has been flawless!