Boo-Boos And Other PR Blunders

I read today that Nicole Kidman's publicist went berserk when a reporter at a movie press junket asked her about Keith Urban.

Keith Urban reportedly threw up his hands when NY reporters would not stop asking about Nicole. Keith was missing in action backstage at the Opry this week when others were meeting the press corp. Even Alan Jackson made the rounds.

It's not like they both robbed the neighborhood Piggly-Wiggly or got indicted. They may or may not be dating. Why can't someone learn to just make a joke or say something witty? Instead publicists go wild and smoke comes out their ears and artists hide in the bus.

Kenny saying no to Oprah, Dateline, and all the news buzzards ... Smart! In his case, nothing can be gained, but a lot can be lost. Usually in the just dating world, though, running from the media is not a game most will win. I still say Kenny will come out of all this fine. His fans are his fans and, if anything, with the wife out of the way he may get more.

Gretchen got some bad advice this week. Canceling the Georgia State Fair in Perry. One of the South's biggest expositions. She has vocal fatigue according to her talking piece, and is only postponing a few shows. Since when can you postpone a fair? You can't, and redneck women and their daughters holding dead tickets are hopping mad. Hard to call in sick 2 weeks out and still let them see you working on TV!

This date was made many months ago and should have been honored. Yes, she needs rest and I am surprised she hasn't keeled over or had a vocal polyp. But her booking folks and management should have built in a rest time for her. Never disappoint fans on purpose. I know she is tired, but that is the wrong place for a redneck to cancel.

You won't find a bigger supporter for the Music Mafia people than here, but this was hard to defend gang. A free concert next year will fix it, Gretchen, but don't let this fester!!

Mindy McCready's situation is the saddest I've seen. This is a mess I hope she can navigate out of.

What a concert this week at Nashville's Gaylord Center with Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton and Keith Andersen. Yes the screaming girl factor was something else, but all three acts were highly entertaining.

Keith shows a lot of potential and already has strong stage charisma. Phil Vassar and Keith would be a powerful duo for a special event/song/project/concert!

The Opry benefit for the American Red Cross was the best of them all so far. The others on MTV and NBC have been so maudlin and downers. At these events you have to dance the line between entertaining and pulling the heart strings. You can't just have a sad song followed by Sean Penn reading a monotone pitch followed by another downer song. SCREAMMMMMM!

The Opry show was a great mix. Uplifting. Feel Good. Hopeful. Heartfelt. Real. The price tag for going to NYC for the CMA looks like a war debt. Checked room rates? Over $300 is the average per night. Behind the scenes the unions and other assorted Manhattan bandits are ready to extort the hillbillies with extreme rates for everything from rental rates at Madison Square Garden to no taping rules at the various venues that hate TV and radio in their houses.

Broadway is the mess it is today in part because unions have kept entertainment shows from taping and working easily around these facilities. Millions in free publicity wasted. Ed Sullivan isn't around to have the show come over and do a number. The Lennon musical has bombed, Elvis is DOA, and I wouldn't risk my 401K on the Beach Boy musical or the one about the Four Seasons. No broadcast excitement. Doubtful results. Not everyone has an ABBA or Billy Joel experience. "Cash" the musical has a chance. Good previews, but same problem. The producers need that broadcaster push and help. WE shall see.

Wynonna still amazes me. The Judds still make me shake my head. Looking forward to talking to one of the best singers ever in the coming week.