Live Blog: Jessica Simpson

So I (Jen) just left the Exhibit Hall and let me tell you, I have never experienced the craziness that I just experienced!  Ever! We got word that Miss Jessica Simpson was going to be signing so we headed over bright and early to beat the crowd in.  We got our spot on the media side and waited for the stampede of people to come through the door.  I was actually kind of scared because I knew the crowd that was outside, having seen them on our way in.  So 10 O'clock on the dot they let them in... and then I was amazed... here came a crowd of hundreds running toward us!  Next thing we know, people are getting trampled, hurt and crying!  People were just simply walking out of the line because of how many people were trying to shove their way into such a tiny area (at least compared to all the people who were there). 

After about 15 minutes of this, things finally calmed down.  They were separating lines and getting people where they needed to be.  Then the big moment... Jessica walked out.  She entered at the front of the SonyBMG booth accompanied by her dad and assistant.  A little girl about five or six was standing next to the booth and yelled her name.  Jessica leaned down to her and waved and asked her how she was.  She was smiling and ready to go... and that's a good thing because she's probably still signing right now.  We were unable to get a comment from her at the time because of how nuts the exhibit hall was but we will not disappoint you... she will be making a comment with us later... so check back!

We now had a chance to get Jessica Simpson's comments to all of you out there:

"Being here in Nashville and around all these music loving fans inspires the true artist in me.  I can't wait to take my music to the stage and give back to the fans."

Ashton Shepherd sent us some of her pictures from her point of view while out and about the CMA Music Festival.  She also had these comments for ya'll...

"My first CMA Music Fest was a fun and full day.  I feel so blessed to have gotten to meet so many fans and supporters and to get to play for them as well.  Talk to you later!" 

Hey everyone...we just got word from Emily West who is enjoying her CMA Music Fest week... "Hey Guys, it's Emily West.  I just saw Wynonna... she was so sweet and I got my picture taken with her. So many awesomely awesome super stars here!  Including myself!... just kidding... but not at the same time! I sing at 3!!! So excited."

Stay tuned for more... Shane Caldwell is about to hit the streets with the fans to have a "Good Time."  So watch out for us!

RED ALERT!!! We've got Dance Fever!... or it maybe it's heat stroke cause it's hot out there!  But safety be damned friends, because we have just returned from the unbridled spectacle known as the 2008 CMA Music Festival where we walked among the massive crowd of fans to see if any of them had what it takes to compete in the Alan Jackson "Good Time" Dance Off.  we took our high tech boom box with Alan's current hit blasting away and threw down the gauntlet in the middle of Lower Broad.  The fans were a little intimidated at first.  But who wouldn't be when faced with my stunning physique and cat-like dance moves?  After taunting them for a good five minutes, one brave gal emerged from the crowd to answer the call.  She was a gamer and together, we looked like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing cheek to cheek in Top Hat... actually we looked more like a couple of sunburned monkeys having a seizure but it got the rest of the fans going and pretty soon, a whole bunch of them joined in!  Gaze, if you dare, upon the lovely ladies and one brave guy who threw caution to the wind (along with their dignity) and strutted their stuff for your amusement. 

 Click to watch "A Good Time with Alan Jackson and Shane Caldwell"

Well, there you have it!  The first Alan Jackson "Good Time" Dance Off!  Enjoy it while you can cause after people see this, I don't think we'll ever get anybody to do it again.  That'a all for now, I'm going to go drink away the shame of my pathetic dancing. The only problem is, I'll get drunk and start dancing again.  When, oh, when will this vicious cycle end!?!? Stay Tuned...

Hey country music fans!  It's Jenna Lee again reporting from LP Field at the 2008 CMA Music Festival.  Our own Allison Demarcus was the host for tonight's show and she did a remarkable job and looked fabulous! 

Ashton Shepherd was the first to take the stage and the crowd went wild when she sang "Takin' Off This Pain."  Fans were out of their seats holding up those cold beers in their right hands to mimic the lyrics of her song. 

Next up was Jack Ingram, who just won top male vocalist at the ACM's. Jack had the ladies going crazy with his semi-unbuttoned black sleeved shirt and his golden locks.  He rocked the crowd with his hit single, "Wherever You Are."

Then two blond beauties took the stage, Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler, to introduce Lady Antebellum, who won top new vocal group at the ACM's... congrats guys! The group opened up with "Looking for a Good Time," and the fans certainly had a great time!  They rounded out with their debut single, "Love Don't Live Here."

Up next was beautiful and talented Miranda Lambert.  She rocked the stage with her hit single, "Famous in a Small Town," from her ACM winning album of the year.  She looked amazing up there!

After Miranda, Carrie Underwood took the stage with sass and style.  Her voice was awesome as always and her outfit was super stylish.  She started off with "Wasted" and finished with her new hit single, "Last Name." I'm just throwing this out there, but Carrie, Taylor, and Kellie should all combine their golden locks to do a trio... heck, make it a quadruple with Julianne Hough!

Choo Choo!  That's right, Josh Turner took the stage and sang "Long Black Train."  The crowd really got into this one... literally!  The fans on the field started their own train as they chugged around the stadium!

Julianne Hough graced the stage with her amazing voice and award-winning dance moves.  Julianne said that her "true love" is singing and she thanked all of her fans for supporting her... fans, you rock!  She sang "That Song In My Head," and that is one song that everyone is glad to have in their heads!

Yee Haw!  Jake Owen took the stage singing just that..."Yee Haw,"  and the fans loved it! Jake said that this was the biggest crowd that he has ever played for... Jake, you did an awesome job!  Siskel and Ebert would have given you two thumbs up!

Miss Taylor Swift took the stage again to introduce an inspiration of hers, the lovely and talented Faith Hill.  Faith gave an awesome performance and her band was insane.  She started off with "Wild One," which go the crowd into one wild mood!  Faith ended with "Piece of My Heart" and blew tons of kisses out to her devoted fans. 

Pop goes the weasel!  Yes, another surprise for the best fans in the world!  Keith Urban made his way to the CMA Music Festival and rocked the crowd with his talent and style.  Everyone was going crazy when he walked on stage... he was amazing and a great end to yet another awesome night at the 2008 CMA Music Festival!  Make sure to check us out tomorrow as we hit the streets during the day and night for country music fun around the clock in Music City USA!

Thanks ya'll and get ready tomorrow to rock it with Lady Antebellum at Paradise Park Trailer Resort for the Rock Band Contest!

Click to see more live blog photos from the 2008 CMA Music Festival

Good morning, friends and neighbors!  We're back at it.  Early this morning our trusty blogging team consisting of Jen, Jenna Lee, Brian and myself were out amongst the legion of fans attending the 2008 CMA Music Festival.  First on our agenda was the Tennessee Morning taping with Joe Nichols at the Hard Rock Cafe.  Joe, all-around good guy and owner of possibly the best true country voice in the biz today, treated the adoring throng to a tender version of "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off."  It was a moving performance.  So much so that, even though the bar wasn't open, half the women in the room were naked before he finished singing.  Then, the Health Department showed up and things got a little ugly.  I won't go any further except to say, if you're thinking of eating lunch today, don't order the veal.  That last little bit is, of course, completely untrue but what is true is Joe's appreciation of his fans.  Here's what he had to say about them:

Well we're gonna be at the River Stage Saturday morning at 10:00, bright and early. It's a little earlier than I usually get up but we're making an exception because it's by God CMA Music Festival.  We had a great time at the block party so thanks to everybody for showing up and at the fan club party and also the softball game. It's been a great week, hope we can do more. Shane:  Tell me about your new record.  Joe: New record is called Real Things and the new single off of Real Things is called "Let's Get Drunk and Fight" and I'm very much looking forward to that. I think it's going to be huge at weddings... it's a love song. It's about a guy that's telling this girl the best time of our relationship is making up so uh, "Let's Get Drunk and Fight!" That is the Arkansas part of it right there. "Honey, I love you -- hate you... Let's get drunk and fight." Shane:  And I know every time I see you I ask you to do this but will have to spell it out in big letters, can you give us and old Sooie Pig?  Joe: "WOOOOOOOO, PIG!  SOOOOOOE!

Joe's a pal it's always good to see him.  And you can see him Saturday morning when he performs at 10:00 am at the Riverfront Park.

After we spoke with Joe, we talked to a couple of true country fans who were decked out in full festival fashion.  We talked to them about the required uniform for surviving the festival:

We are here with two country music fans attending the 2008 CMA Music Festival and what are your names and where are you from?  Rebecca:  I'm Rebecca Gayhart and I'm from Crestwood, Kentucky.  Brice:And I'm Brice Gayhart from Crestwood, Kentucky. Shane:  Well the reason I came up to you is because you guys are outfitted for the day, you know -- you don't come to fan fair wearing a coat and tie, you gotta come with the right equipment and the right clothes to stay cool.  Tell us about your outfit here.  Rebecca:  It's just a tank top and shorts.  Brice:  We learned from before, we know what to wear.  Rebecca:  So far we are having a great time here, this is our 2nd time here.  Shane:  So here's a big question, you've got the bottle water, you got the back  -- you're ready to rock, but you have the most essential item for surviving fan fair... The Fanny Pack.  If you don't mind, will you tell us what's in there?  Rebecca: A fan.  Shane: That's why they call it fan fair!  Rebecca:  Um, pens, autograph book and a camera.  Shane:  Sounds good to me!  Good luck at fan fair and have a good time.

Well, there you have it.  A lesson in survival.  Learn it and live it, fans!  Otherwise, you'll wind up as a sweaty little puddle on the sidewalk and odds are that will take away from your enjoyment of the festival. THat's all for now.  Next, we're off to Andy Griggs Fan Club Party.  We'll be talking to Andy, listening to his music and chatting with his fans... but mostly we'll be scarfing down the free buffet.  And we'll tell you about it all when we come back.  Adios for now...

Hi-diddly-ho, neighbors!  The CMT Blog Team just returned from Andy Griggs Fan Club Party and quite a party it was.  Lots of fans and lots of free food!  Burgers right off the girll, big, juicy dogs and big ol' bowl of the musical fruit... baked beans.  That bountiful buffet provided us with plenty of nourishment from our four favorite food groups: meat, grease, salt and cheese.  That's genuine Music Fest food, right there!  Nobody eats salad during this unless they're a communist!

While we were all shoveling it in like we were going to the electric chair, we ran into our favorite beauty queen from last night's fashion show, Taylor Ann Stefans.  She and her mom and dad were making the round and were waiting for Andy G.  to make the scene.  Just then, to our surprise, Andy's publicist invited us on his bus.  Not only that, but Andy's buddies Rhett Akins and Marty Brown were there providing moral support for their pal as we got up close and personal with Andy.  Here's what Mr. Griggs had to say about this party, his new record and most importantly, his fans:

Out of all the events this one matters most because now we're working for the boss.  You know you've got publishers, managers and you got everyone pulling you sideways but you only have one boss... and that's the fans.   I mean you try to please them because man they are... if you can picture it this way, they are the person behind the desk either accepting your music or they're not so this is the best week out of the year.  More so than the ACM Awards or the CMA Awards or anything else that can happen because this week is all about the boss. Shane: Tell us a little bit about your fan club party and your new record.  Andy:We've been looking forward to this and I've got two of my best friends in music with me.  I got Rhett Akins and we've known each other for I don't seven or eight years I guess.  He was probably one of the first artists that I ever met and he probably don't even remember doing that but he was being charitable and shook my hand and all that.  And of course Marty Brown I've been a fan of.  I was a fan of his and his songwriting and his style.  You know we decided, me and Tracy Byrd, we decided alright, we both miss the intimate fan club parties.  We had been doing the big parties at the Wild Horse and it was almost too big and it lost it's personal touch so we ended up last year looking at each other and saying "that was the last one wasn't it?"  And I said "yeah yeah, I miss it".  And he said "I miss mine too."  So before we started inviting people I said, "I get Marty and I get Rhett, so it's gonna be a lot of fun.  We're fixin' to go in there and play some songs and I can't wait to look everybody in the eye.  And like I said this is a special week and if you have a family inside of country music, it's your fan club members, so this is like a family reunion.  Marty:  Let's promote that new record!  Tell em' that! Andy: Ah... we got a brand new record that just came out. It's called The Good Life and it's with Montage Records and it's doing great.  We're really, really, really looking forward to it and doing big things.  We're fixin' to be releasing a single and actually I'm on the Pickin' and Poker Tour and we're fixin' to play The World Series of Poker and one song fits it so that may be the new single and it's called "It's All About the Money." Shane:  I can tell you from experience this fan club parties already been a success because the hot dogs were high quality my friend.  Andy:  (In a possessed auctioneers voice) "Well we're down here at good ole' Andy Griggs fan club party with Good Ole' Rhett Akins, Marty Brown it's where the hot dogs are hot and the cokes are cold."  Shane:  Thanks man!  Andy:  You bet!  That was cool.

There's a man with a lot to say and who says it very well. There's lots more coming up at this years CMA Music Festival and we'll give you the inside scoop on as much as we can... at least until our legs give out or we collapse from heat stroke.  Our dedication only goes so far.  That's it for now!  Stay tuned...

So even though it's CMA Music Festival week, some people still have to work... like Shane Caldwell. So, Brian (photographer) and I (Jen the typist) went out to capture more of the happenings around town. 

We were flat out asked if we were the "funny ones" who write the live blog when speaking to James Otto.  We hung our heads in shame and had to confess that Shane's comedic mastery is the sole purpose of everyone's interest here unfortunately not ours.   But that shall not deter us and we will carry on in the spirit of CMA Music Festival.  With that... here are James Otto's thoughts about CMA Music Fest, his fans and his Number 1 Party...

You know -- we've been from the softball game to the parade, I was the Grand Marshall.  And then all the signings and everything else.  We've just been busy meeting fans and doing as much as we can. I would like to say to all my Ottomaniacs -- "Thank you for the number one record and I'm looking forward to this next single.  I hope you guys like it as much as I do and I just got started lovin' you all!"  Jen:  And you have a Number 1 party coming up tonight correct?  James: I do, there's a number one party at Limelight this evening and I get to celebrate that victory, it's pretty cool.  Jen:  How great is it to do that during fan fair week?  James:  Absolutely unbelievable!  The timing of all that stuff is amazing you know so I think it's probably going to be packed and I'm gonna have a lot of my friends over for a jam afterwards Limelight around 11:00 and I'm really looking forward to all that.  Jen:  And how do you feel about fanny packs?  James:  Well ya know, I guess you can fit a lot in those fanny packs and they are stylish!

As we were leaving the dark abyss of the media room (very scary I might add -- we were summoned to booth number 10 and wondered if the light above was going to start shaking) we stumbled upon All-American country artist Mr. Aaron Tippin.  He was gracious enough to give us a few minutes...

I've been at the booth signing autographs.  We just did Riverfront Stage and had a great show over there and I'd just like to say to everybody come on over and see Aaron!  I'll be signing 10-12:00 tomorrow  and then I gotta gig out of town but I'll be back Sunday.  So tell 'em to come see me! 

So you heard him -- go see him! And we were told by one of Aaron's people about what happened at his performance he had just completed at the Riverfront Stage.  She said, "Aaron doesn't like to boast about himself but he was just honored with an award from the military for his numerous performances in Iraq.  The award was presented to him by Judy Seales."  Aaron does a lot of performing and traveling for the soldiers.  He then told us that he goes to Bethesda Hospitals and Walter Reed Army Medical Center and visits soldiers right after they have been wounded.  One soldier in particular who had been wounded in the jaw and right arm had a big orange sign on his door that said "If you are going to come in here, I want no sympathy or pity.  I was doing a job that I love for a country that I love."  And we loved that! We send a hearty thank you to all of those protecting us.

From the media room we ventured into the "belly of the beast" and started drifting around the convention center floor.  We laughed, we cried, we took pictures just like everyone else.  And this is what we came up with...

Our first stop was our own alma mater... The CMT Booth. It was packed with country music fans, fanny packs, cowboy hats, rhinestones, and the ocean of orange CMT handbags!  Emily West was drawing the crowds so we snapped off a picture and moved along.

And just like the other throngs of fans we saw Kix Brooks, Wine maker extraordinaire!  We do love that Red Fox Red! We also saw fan fest favorite, Neal McCoy, female favorite Luke Bryan as well as everyone's favorite gladiator... The Wolf!

That's it for our day here at CMA Music Festival. Next will be Jenna Lee's report from the nightly concerts at LP Field...

Hi ya'll!  This is Jenna Lee reporting live from the first night at the CMA Music Festival... and I must say, this was one great night of music to get the party started.  Phil Stacey got things rolling by singing the National Anthem with accompanying fireworks and fighter planes flying sky high over LP Field in downtown Nashville.

So with 90% of the fans with beer in hand and the cowboy hats to complete the country look...it was time to start the party!  Miss Jennifer Hanson was the first to take the stage singing "Love Will Find a Way Around,"  which is from her new album that was released on June 3rd. 

After Jennifer was the infamous Montgomery Gentry.  The crowd really went wild for these guys!  Troy Gentry rocked the stage with his suave looks and Eddie Montgomery was doing crazy flip tricks with the microphone stand while sporting a flashy black cowboy hat and shades.  After their performance, all the fabulous CMT Interns swarmed lucky section #113 to throw out hundreds of #1 Fan foam fingers.

Next up was southern belle, Kellie Pickler, who rocked the crowd with her sassy style.  This is Kellie's second performance at the CMA Music Festival, but she looked like a veteran up there!  Kellie performed her new single, "Don't You Know Your Beautiful' and the crowd loved it!

SURPRISE!  Guess who showed up!?  Yes, Jessica Simpson!  Jessica has a new album coming out in September... and she has gone country!  Her single on the album is, "Come on Over," although she didn't sing it for us! 

Luke Bryan was the next artist to take the stage... he has been performing at the CMA Music Festival for the past three years.  He was a hit with all the fans, getting out of their seats clapping to "All My Friends Say."  And I'm sure a lot of fans are not going to have a clue of what went down tonight!

Taylor Swift made her way to the middle of the sea of fans to introduce Jewel who was sporting a neon green long sleeved dress.  She rocked it and had the crowd excited by playing her well-known hit, "You Were Meant For Me."

THEN...we were graced with another surprise... Rascal Flatts stormed the stage and the crowd went insane jumping to their feet.  They kicked their performance off with "Me and My Gang" and finished out right with "Bob That Head."  And congratulations Joe Don Rooney on your new baby boy, Jagger Donovan Rooney. 

Now for the part of the night that I couldn't wait for and apparently the massive section of fourteen-year-old girls behind me felt the same... I may need to have ear replacement surgery tomorrow! But the lovely Taylor Swift took the stage and the entire stadium was going crazy for her!  Rockin' her signature dress and cowgirl boot look, Taylor sang, played the trashcan (yes, I did say trashcan), and showed off her skills on the guitar.  I don't know how she does it... I tried my best at Rock Band on guitar the other day and it sounded like a cat was being tortured... which is why I was in the audience and not up there with her!

And last, but certainly not least, was Sugarland...there was laughter, dancing, screaming and even tears!  Well it was either tears or sweat!  Sugarland put on one hell of a show, they were great!  I even made a friend down in the sea of fans, Farmer Ned and his pig Bo... we went out for a burger after, great guy!  Ok... I'm just kidding!  But Nashville sure had a great time tonight and all of the performers did an amazing job.  CMA Music Festival is by far the craziest, most fun country party in the world!

Well, that's all for tonight everyone.  Check back tomorrow for up-to-date blogs on the cool happenings of the 2008 CMA Music Festival.

Click to see more live blog photos from the 2008 CMA Music Festival