Amanda Hensel

It’s clear that Taylor Swift‘s ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ video will only continue the popularity of the record-setting single. The clip, which premiered across many major networks on Aug. 30, is a blend of pent-up rage, total randomness, odd splashes of color and Taylor Swift’s genuine nature — shot all in one take, with one camera.

Sure, Kelleigh Bannen is a newcomer, but she’s proven that she’s ready to make an impact on country music. ‘Sorry on the Rocks,’ the new single from the determined EMI Nashville signee, made no apologies as it took down the Lost Trailers in yesterday’s Taste of Country Showdown. Today and tonight, Bannen and her song will attempt victory against D. Vincent Williams here and on Taste of Country Nig

Lauren Alaina has done it again. Though her name has only been ‘household’ for a year, the 17-year-old country starlet has proven that she’s worth a second listen. Now that she’s beaten both Jason Aldean and Trace Adkins in the Showdown, she’s looking for a third. Will she get another spin on Taste of Country Nights radio?

The naysayers were put in their rightful place after a heated battle on Taste of Country Nights radio on Wednesday. Lauren Alaina ‘inched’ by Jason Aldean to win the Taste of Country Showdown by less than 40 votes and just 1 percent — but it was a win nonetheless. With him out of the way, Alaina’s new single ‘Eighteen Inches’ takes on a fresh competitor in Trace Adkins‘ latest fan favorite, ‘Them

Late Tuesday night (March 6), Jerrod Niemann‘s tour bus went up in flames in Chattanooga, Tenn., Taste of Country has learned. The ‘Lover, Lover’ hitmaker appeared at Heart Strings for Hope, a benefit for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and was just wrapping up when the bus broke out in flames around 10:45PM ET.

As it begins to heat up outside and the snow and ice turn to green grass and fresh blooms, artists will churn out new country music releases for March 2012 faster than you can say “bring on spring break!”

Carrie Underwood and Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler took the stage together in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday to deliver a few of their collective hits for anxious Super Bowl fans. The special CMT ‘Crossroads’ road show aired live on the network, so even those far away from the football action were able to take part in the momentous music event.

It seems George Strait has a new bunkmate on his tour bus. KNIX 102.5 in Phoenix reports that the king of country has adopted a new family member: a Golden Retriever puppy.

There’s no question that Keith Urban is one of the most famous Australian country singers, well, ever. Therefore, it’s no big surprise that he snagged not one, but two awards at a Country Music Association of Australia event on Saturday, adding to his huge collection of accolades.

Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell is mad at Dierks Bentley — really mad. Twang Nation first spotted the Muscle Shoals, Ala. artist ranting and raving via his Twitter page, accusing Bentley of plagiarizing his song ‘In a Razor Town’ to create the chart-topper ‘Home,’ and he doesn’t seem prepared to back down any time soon.

With her dazzling attire and stage-brightening smile, Dolly Parton would seemingly be an ideal celebrity to hit the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ set — she’s even got the costuming down already. Still, the ‘Jolene’ hitmaker does not think she’d be a good fit and has refused several offers to appear on the show.

Wynonna Judd got perhaps the Christmas gift of a lifetime this year. According to PEOPLE, Judd became engaged to her boyfriend, Cactus Moser, on Christmas Eve. The pair have been dating since 2009 and together make up touring group Wynonna and the Big Noise.