Soon there may be more “American Idol” hopefuls being driven to auditions by their parents. CNN.com reports that the reality competition show has lowered the minimum age for contestants from 16 to 15.

The show’s executives are saying that they want to give younger, talented performers a chance as well. This change will go into effect when Season 10 auditions start on July 17 in Nashville.

The once highly rated show showed a slipping in ratings this past season. This lowered age minimum may attract more younger fans and boost the show’s viewership.

Tweeps, including Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks, are discussing the pros and cons of this change.

1. 
   music_is_luve American Idol is now allowing 15yr olds to enter…so there will be more Justin Biebers…WHAT IS AMERICA COMING TO?!?!?! web
2. 
   DHillsdonSmith Shit, a larger pool of horrible Idol contestants for America to babble over. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment_and_arts/10372700.stm
3. 
   TheRealJordin Hmm, American Idol lowered the age limit from 16 to 15. I’m kinda on the fence about it. What do you think?
4. 
   betsysc Ameican Idol lowered their age rule to 15!? For sure no interest in that!
5. 
   archiegirl145 YES! I think American Idol is lowering the age limit from 16 to 15! Which means I could possibly try out this year!
6. 
   BiebsBelieber1 RT @MusicChoice: American Idol lowered age requirement to try out to 15! Do you think their trying to find the next @justinbieber?
7. 
   JarrettGC American Idol is lowering the age minimum for competitors to 15, mostly as an attempt to get R Kelly to appear as a guest judge
8. 
   musicalFREAK87 American Idol lowered there audition age to 15 that would be great if a 15 year old won!
9. 
   baileymayhugh @TheRealJordin i hope they still have american idol when im 15.. but i do think that is a little young

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Updated May 10: More and more of country music’s well-known musicians are pitching in to help Nashville. Husband-and-wife duo Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are the latest, according to People Magazine. The pair have prepared a concert to be held on June 22 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. “Nashville Rising: A Benefit Concert for Flood Recovery,” will host some of the biggest names in country music with a line-up including Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, and LeAnn Rimes, in addtion to others, including Hill and McGraw.

The funds raised from the event will go to the Community Foundation, the same organizaton that last week’s star-studded telethon raised money for. Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, May 14 and can be purchased through the event’s Web site NashvilleRising.org.

Originally published May 7: As devastating floods continue to affect Nashville, Tennessee, stars are beginning to rally together and raise money to help benefit the city. Country stars especially are forming telethons and fundraisers to help their city, according to EW.com. The flood has already caused about $1 billion in damages.

Country singer Vince Gill has already contributed by hosting a telethon on a local Nashville television station last night. American Songwriter reported that the telethon – which also included stars such as Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and Kenny Chesney, among others – raised $1.7 million dollars for disaster relief in the area, including a $500,000 donation from Swift.

Another telethon is scheduled by the Great American Country Television for May 16. This telethon, featuring Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, and Rodney Atkins in addition to others, is focusing on raising money for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which is an organization already on-site helping the city.

It’s not just country stars that are doing their part to help raise money for victims of the flood - Nashville native Ke$ha will also be putting on a benefit concert in her hometown at the Limelight on June 16. All the proceeds from the show will go to benefit both human and animal victims.

Tweets, in turn, are rolling in, petitioning others to donate to victims of the flood:

1. 
   spencersweeting Ke$ha is doing a benefit show for Nashville. I’m thinking it would benefit Nashville more if she didn’t play her music. /via @chadjarnagin
2. 
   BillM973WHDG Kudos to all involved in the flood benefit telethon last night in Nashville. A lot of people stepped up to help out those most in need!
3. 
   nashvillest Telethon is about to reach $1 million, half of which is from @TaylorSwift13. Taylor is Nashville, too. #nashvilleflood
4. 
   scottcgreer RT @visitmusiccity: Good Morning #Nashville! What a great job w/ the telethon last night, more than $1.7 million for flood relief raised …
5. 
   timivan50 Happy Friday! Great telethon last nite from Nashville. Watched online. Stars giving of their time and money to help their neighbors!!!
6. 
   rands301 Exceptionally proud of Nashville this morning after the flood relief telethon – our character has been revealed & we will rise together. #fb
7. 
   josevelazco Didn’t get through to the Nashville Flood Relief telethon last night, too many callers!, but did text to the Red Cross to donate $$.
8. 
   caitlincaggiano thank you, keith urban, for taking your time to help at a telethon to save my beloved city of nashville. I love you: http://yfrog.com/fvhd0j
9. 
   GalThursday I see that some Country stars are having a telethon locally in Nashville. Where’s the national one like was put on for Katrina, Hati, etc.?
10. 
    JudgeShelby Thanks to all involved in our flood relief telethon concert. $1.7 million for middle TN. Long day, but so worth it. #nashville
11. 
    jasoncastro Just got to help out WKRN News 2 with their telethon! It’s so awesome to see Nashville caring for their neighbors!!

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At the 2009 Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday night in Nashville, 19-year-old Taylor Swift became the youngest singer ever to win the Entertainer of the Year award, reports MSN.

Swift sweeped the CMA Awards, winning in all four of the categories in which she was nominated.

In addition to winning the top award, Swift also won the Female Vocalist award and nabbed Album of the Year for her sophomore album “Fearless,” which was just re-released last month. Swift’s ”Love Story” captured the Music Video of the Year award.

“Taylor Swift” became a Trending Topic on Twitter following the show as tweeps either congratulated Swift or voiced their disappointment that she won:

1. 
   SinkingRaindrop Wow, Taylor Swift is simply awesome
2. 
   CasandraCollier taylor swift didnt deserve to win any awards soorry!!!
3. 
   smilexchristina Darn. I should’ve watched the CMA’s. Taylor Swift! I just didn’t know what channel! Well congrats on your wins, I’ll watch it on youtube
4. 
   rawr_ren Pretty upset that taylor swift hasn’t won every cma award
5. 
   hiredassassin15 Who is giving out the awards at the cma’s? Taylor Swift? Come on people. Country aint country no more
6. 
   flysumd34 Taylor Swift she one of my favorite country singer she is great.!!
7. 
   Krisanta24 What has the CMA’s come to! Taylor Swift winning Female Vocalist! I like her, but the other ladies in the category outsing her any day. :/

The CMAs were hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. Other big winners included Paisley, Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker.

Paisley was named the Male Vocalist of the Year and also won Musical Event of the Year along with Keith Urban for their duet “Start a Band.”   Lady Antebellum’s “I Run to You” won as the Single of the Year and the band was named the Vocal Group of the Year.  The New Artist of the Year award went to Darius Rucker.

The Twitterverse was buzzing with reactions to both the show itself and the winners:

1. 
   txsmomma great job brad and carrie on hosting a fantastic CMA!
2. 
   MissTina2009 Impressed with the CMA’s tonight! http://lifeorbust.onsugar.com/6191992
3. 
   RyanHHayden Note to country music. Hootie is not a new artist, no matter what he’s calling himself. #CMA

1. 
   Liann035 This was the BEST CMA award show aside from the two years George Stait won entertainer of the year.
2. 
   Maeflowers28 Loved the cma’s!!! Love reba! Carrie is amazing! And brad rocks!
3. 
   MissMoodyMandy RT TOTAL DITTO!!! @Drummer97: Agreed!!! RT @shamel #zacbrownband was robbed! Darius Rucker? Seriously? What is this, 1995? #CMA Awards
4. 
   pollastrini2007 Lovin the CMA’s….in country heaven, GOD IS GREAT! BEER IS GOOD AND PEOPLE ARE CRAZY!

1. 
   bburn75reporter Congrats to all CMA Winners & those nominated… “Who’s gonna fill their shoes?” I had my doubts, but bravo CMAs! http://bit.ly/YdyPI
2. 
   mtnewton I LOVE @Reba !!!!! She is the highlight of the CMA’s for me….”Consider Me Gone” = amazing song!

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For one day only, the Sundance Film Festival will be brought to eight different cities, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Screenings will take place on January 28, 2010 in Chicago; Los Angeles; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Brookline, Mass.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Madison, Wis.; Nashville, Tenn. and San Francisco, Calif..  Filmmakers will be present at each of the cities to discuss their movies.

Tweeps are excited for the festival:

1. 
   OlaLoa Isn’t it exciting? We’re hoping to stay involved! RT @HelenHatzis: @Sundancefest #Sundance decisions for 2010 #festival a month away!
2. 
   LisaBeesa OK, this is just cool. RT @sundancefest: Is #Sundance coming to YOUR town? The 2010 Fest expands nationwide for 1 nite: http://bit.ly/4gig9s
3. 
   CitygateFilms No DC screening? Bummer! RT @sundancefest: Is #Sundance coming 2 YOUR hometown? 2010 Fest expanding nationally 1 night: http://bit.ly/4gig9s
4. 
   OlaLoa Getting pumped for #Sundance. Can you guess what Sundance movie this quote is from…
5. 
   HelenHatzis Good luck! @OlaLoa It’s exciting! We’re hoping to stay involved! RT @HelenHatzis: @Sundancefest #Sundance decisions for 2010 #festival
6. 
   SportaboutSarah #Sundance Fest coming to 8 US cities. Bringing #indiefilm to the people. Nice one! (via @latimes) http://tinyurl.com/yj7t2ec

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According to reports from Yahoo.com, Ellen DeGeneres’ eponymous talk show is being sued by record companies in the Nashville area for not having the rights to play songs during her dance segments on the daily show.

DeGeneres, who just signed on as American Idol’s fourth judge, has her own DJ plays music for her to dance to with the audience, as well as when guests make an entrance.  The show reportedly never obtained the legal rights to play any of the songs they’ve showcased, a violation of copyright laws.

Tweeters spread the news:

1. 
   dustyschaller Ellen’s being sued over illegal use of songs. Sounds like just who needs to be judging american idol. Lord. http://bit.ly/yLaxq
2. 
   sportygal85 thinks it’s interesting that Ellen Degeneres is getting sued now for copyright issues over songs she dances to that she’s done for 7 years
3. 
   AussieEllenFans Can’t believe Ellen is being sued. Music producers should be thanking her for FREE publicity during her dancing segments- not accusing her
4. 
   kylehulett Ellen is getting mega sued by like every major label for illegally using songs on her show
5. 
   BzMuzik The Ellen Degenrate Show is being sued for copyright infringement. Good, now maybe she’ll stop dancing or trying to dance
6. 
   eRayser1982 Ellen Degeneres show being sued by record labels for playing unlicensed music…stupid, greedy and moronic. they got millions in promotion!
7. 
   TheLeafisRed “Ellen Show” sued for playing “Getting Jiggy With It” w/o a license. http://twurl.nl/7uh8yp If only she had some new friends in music…
8. 
   chanelheyom “Ellen”; Sued For THOUSANDS Of Copyright Infringements #Infringements

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Updated: Due to an error during the nominations announcement, a joint nom for Brad Paisley and Keith Urban wasn’t announced.  Paisely’s new total is seven nominations and Urban now has five.

Originally published on September 9th: Nominations for the 43rd annual Country Music Association Awards were announced this morning, reports PEOPLE.

Brad Paisley earned the most nods at six nominations, followed by Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Jamey Johnson, George Strait and Zac Brown Band at four nominations each.

Many fans congratulated their favorite country performers, while other tweeps were unhappy their own favorites were snubbed:

1. 
   taylorswift13 A video of what it looked (and sounded) like in my house this morning when the CMA nominees were announced. http://tinyurl.com/nycbdr
2. 
   bleigh Btw, congratulations @TaylorSwift13 for getting 4 CMA nominations. So proud of you. You’re truly someone to look up to!
3. 
   trishasplace so happy for REBA’s CMA Nominations!!!!! GO REBA!!!!!!!! still feeling like shit!!!!!!!!!
4. 
   ZenCrucible Taylor Swift up for CMA Entertainer of Year ! Yeah, I like her songs it’s a vice of mine, and looking forward too playing them on Band Hero.
5. 
   jodils Great news about Little Big Town’s nomination for Group Of The Year CMA’s!!! Woot Woot!
6. 
   fliplo86 Hey @taylorswift13 a HUUUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your 4 CMA Nominations, you truly deserve it! YOURE THE BEST!!! never stop doing what you do
7. 
   cougfanakd102 @taylorswift13 congrats about all the CMA nominations! your new video made me smile you’re amazing taylor. ily
8. 
   xo_tay_j I just can’t even believe the stupid CMA nominations. Sorry. That just makes me really, really aggravated.
9. 
   MegOswalt @therealpickler just wanted to say that’s an amazing verse, and you’re an amazing vocalist. The CMA people are obviously idiots
10. 
    jenesas darius rucker was nominated for a CMA as best new artist. thought that was funny (new?!) but hope he wins. &yes, i understand why he’s “new”
11. 
    champbear08 I love @juliannehough ! And, she should have been nominated for a/or more CMA(s).
12. 
    momkw @blakeshelton You should have been nominated for a CMA award. Do they have a category for best Tweeter? If so you would so win! Lol
13. 
    michtum @billycurrington Congrats on 3 CMA noms! Bout time u get the recognition u deserve! I knew PAC video wuld do well,Congrats 4 Blake& Potsy 2!
14. 
    darpaia wishes she had Carrie’s new cd to work out to! Nov is not coming fast enough for me! And congrats to my girl for getting 2 CMA noms!
15. 
    angelalovesjay @JayDeMarcus Me too! I am so happy for Taylor! She def. deserves it! But you guys do too & I hate that the CMA people keep over looking you!
16. 
    bigred3319 CMA noms are a travesty. no Revolution for Album of the Year, no EOTY Miranda Lambert, Whitney Duncan not nominated for New Artist
17. 
    shannymo88 @reba Congrats on your CMA nomination! Your album is uplifting, inspiring, and showcases what an amazing talent you are!
18. 
    JenDoty @DierksBentley You got robbed today with no CMA nominations. You are MY male vocalist and entertainer of the year though.
19. 
    MatchboxGinny @ladyantebellum Well deserved CMA nominations!!! Yay!
20. 
    bsertwitt can’t stand it CMA over look Blake Shelton again r they nuts???

The show will air on ABC on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from Nashville.

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Stemming from the success of  TwiCon, Summit Entertainment has announced a series of Twilight Fan Conventions to be held in cities across North America, reports MTV.com.

According to the report, for the next three years Summit and Creation Entertainment will host appearances by “Twilight” cast members, exclusive screenings, panel discussions, parties, auctions and musical performances in 20 different cities.

TwilightLexicon.com already named these cities as future convention locations:  New Jersey, Chicago, Miami, Seattle, Nashville, San Francisco, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Arlington, Charlotte, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Boston, Toronto, and Portland.  More information can be found here.

While a few tweeps criticized the conventions, most shared their excitement over the news:

1. 
   SarahJLA How is there a convention JUST on Twilight? I’ve read all 4 books and I don’t think there’s enough material there.
2. 
   dJesse831 twilight convention was AWESOME! But now its over. Now Im sad (tear) =’(
3. 
   rubyann01 will there be a Twilight convention in Phils lyk theyll do in N America? ooooh am so head over heels over the Cullens!!! feeling so tween!
4. 
   prosechild ok, seriously, a Twilight convention??? Damn I can’t stand that franchise
5. 
   oh_hale_no Twilight Convention in Arlington on the weekend of my birthday in April. Hollaaaaaaaaaaa.
6. 
   yvrrich My greatest fears have come true….a Twilight Convention in Vancouver 2010 http://bit.ly/3JsEm5
7. 
   mcburn13 ahh! i want 2 go 2 the twilight convention 2 raise $. the only prob is that its all the way in portland oregon. boo-hoo!
8. 
   kristennnx i want tickets for the twilight convention!
9. 
   monikalovesuu93 twilight convention next summmer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10. 
    sothisonetime OMG TWILIGHT CONVENTION IN CHICAGO!!!!
11. 
    lizconno I’m officially a COMPLETE dork: bought a GOLD PACKAGE for the TWILIGHT Convention in Charlotte. $269…but priority seating & all events!
12. 
    iBake 3-12 is my b day and it looks like were going to a twilight convention..Yay!! I’m so excited I’ve never been to 1…http://bit.ly/8QgwI
13. 
    AMANDAWAIT WTF. theres an official twilight convention here. wow
14. 
    curlygurl576 June 18-20 2010 twilight convention at the Wigwam resort in phoenix!
15. 
    HeatherSchultz Yay!! Count me in! RT @jessicachenow Twilight convention in Los Angeles scheduled for March 12-14!!! I am SOOOO there!!! http://bit.ly/8QgwI

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Per PEOPLE, country music legends Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn recently announced on their Web site that they will be calling it quits after their 2010 tour, “The Last Rodeo.”

The statement read, “After 20 years of making music and riding trail together, we have agreed as a duo that it’s time [to] call it a day.  This ride has been everything and more than we could ever have dreamed.  …We owe it all to you, the fans.  If you hear rumors, don’t believe them, it’s just time.”

PEOPLE reports that during a taping of CMT’s “Invitation Only” special in Nashville, Brooks was asked why they split after a 20-year partnership.  He responded, “It’s too good a horse to ride it into the ground.  We’re still good friends.  I’m proud to say we’ve never had a fight, never even yelled at each other.  And that’s the truth.”

Brooks and Dunn exploded on the country music scene in 1991, and has since racked up several awards at the Country Music Awards, the Grammys and American Music Awards.

The two will begin their final tour after the new album, “#1s and Then Some,” is released on September 8.  The aforementioned special will air September 1 on Dish Network and October 30 on CMT.

The Twitterverse is shocked and saddened by the break-up:

1. 
   cameronmarion Brooks & Dunn are splitting up?!?!? Where have I been? I’m a sad girl now!
2. 
   countryqueen101 Can’t believe that Brooks & Dunn are quitting country music after their 2010 tour! What a blow to country music as a whole!
3. 
   broast @RyanNewYork Brooks & Dunn are excellent. I think I have seen them three times and always have a blast. I’m sad to see them go… #farewell
4. 
   thom_wallace halfway expected Kidman & Urban to divorce before Brooks & Dunn.
5. 
   Pickwick12 Brooks and Dunn is breaking up…that actually makes me a little sad. I never remember who is who, but one of them looks like my old boss
6. 
   misshollywood67 I’m still sad about Brooks & Dunn breaking up )’:
7. 
   Sydney_Allen WTH! Just heard that Brooks and Dunn are breaking up?! TERRIBLE news!
8. 
   _Soleil Brooks&Dunn broke up… how sad. <3 their music.
9. 
   teeniebopper1 Brooks & Dunn is breaking up. My world is officially crushed. 14 Aug 2009 from txt
10. 
    daisygirl1315 wait, brooks and dunn are splitting? what is happening to celebs and their careers??
11. 
    GregccSmith Lovin Sugarlands New Tune “Joey”, One of the Best Bands in Country Music today, maybe the best with the End of Brooks and Dunn!
12. 
    crazycortese1 Still can’t believe Brooks and Dunn have broken up after 20 years of amazing music! Very very sad… 1
13. 
    Cricknah I’m sort of sad that Brooks & Dunn split up…glad I got to see them in concert though.
14. 
    jessicahamby34 I can’t believe Brooks & Dunn are calling it quits after 20 years. One of Country Music’s best Duos EVER!!! I’m a little shocked right now.
15. 
    ldymusyc Noooooooooo, Brooks and Dunn are retiring? *sobs*
16. 
    aworldwithout Brooks & Dunn broke up

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