“It Girls”

Julianne Hough, sporting newly darkened hair, and her sister Marabeth were among the stars hitting the read carpet at the premier of This Is It, the movie tribute to the life and career of Michael Jackson. The movie played to dozens of stars at the Nokia Theater L.A Live venue in Los Angeles, Oct 27. Julianne’s bust week kicked off with a rocking concert performance at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, Oct 21.

Julianne’s Big Screen Dance

Julianne Hough has reportedly joined Cher, actress Kristen Bell and pop star Christina Aguilera in the cast of the upcoming movie Bulesque. The film is set for release in fall 2010, and concerns the efforts of a small-town singer played by Christina to make her way at a Hollywood burlesque club owned by Cher’s character. Julianne will also appear in the upcoming remake of the 1984 hit movie Footloose, set for release in June.

This holiday season each Glade(R) Limited Edition fragrance purchase will earn you a free download of one of my holiday songs. Purchase Bayberry Spice, Homemade Gingerbread(TM), Hollyberry Wreath*, or Peppermint Crush(TM)* items for access to songs like Julianne Hough's “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Visit glade.com/holiday by 1/10/10 for complete details and for complete offer terms and rules.

* Available only at select retailers. CLICK HERE for retailers.

"Dancing" star helps raise money for sick kids and hospital research

Cause Celeb highlights a celebrity’s work on behalf of a specific cause. This week, we speak with dancer, country-music singer and actress Julianne Hough about her passion for helping children, including her support for The Children’s Miracle Network. The nonprofit organization raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals across the country. Donations help fund medical care, research and education.

Hough, a professional ballroom dancer, has sashayed her way into America’s homes as the two-time winner of "Dancing With The Stars." She has also recently released her self-titled album and signed on to play Ariel in the remake of the 1984 film "Footloose."

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about Children’s Miracle Network?

Julianne Hough: Well, it’s funny. In Utah, its very, very well known and I know Marie Osmond definitely contributed her time to it as well. I didn’t really get involved until a little bit later. Basically, it’s a mission to generate funds for programs for sick kids and hospital research. It helps kids in communities and research to get better. I’ve done a couple of things with them. It’s pretty amazing the children that you meet. It’s pretty unbelievable.

Q: How did you get involved and what is your role?

JH: They do a fundraiser every year. I went down to Florida and I was a part of that. At first, I thought it was a great idea. Anything to do with children. They’re the future for us. Anything we can do to better them. I thought, “You know, I’ll do this little thing and be apart of it.” Once I was there, I got to meet the kids. I really took a better interest in that and thought, “You know, I want to do this for a long time. I don’t want this to be a one-off.” So, I started looking into it and it’s just amazing. It’s a nonprofit organization so any money that people donate just goes to research. I think it saves lives of 17 million kids a year. So it’s pretty unbelievable.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing about being involved?

JH: For me, I feel so blessed with everything I do in my life that I want to do something and be a part of something that gives children that hope, that maybe they can do and follow their dreams at some point. Of course, they have to get better; otherwise, it’s not going to be easy for them. To do something where I come in and I perform, it gives them hope and the encouragement so that they can keep going and have dreams and hopes. It’s really rewarding. Just being able to meet them.

I remember I did this show for [the kids] one time. There were a bunch of a kids just sitting on the ground and I said, “You know what, come on up here!” Everybody just came up on stage and we were all dancing together and singing along. It was just amazing. It’s all about the kids. It’s really rewarding just to be apart of their lives and hopefully they can look back at that and be like “Oh man, I remember that was so cool. That’s what I want to do when I’m older.” Anything I can do for their hopes and their dreams.

Q: Is there a particular story or moment that has resonated with you while working with Children’s Miracle Network?

JH: I think just when I did that show and having that experience with them all coming up on stage. It was just supposed to be a one-off thing. I thought, “Oh, it’s a really cool program, of course I’ll go and give my time to it.” And then I had that experience with the kids coming up on stage and having such an awesome time. Just kind of forgetting about everything that they were going through. Afterward I was just like, “This is something that I want to be apart of, not just for one time, but for a long time.”

Q: What can other people do to help? Is there a message you would like to get out there?

JH: Basically, it’s trying to be more aware. We’re trying to make it more aware for people around the country, around the world. If there is anybody that can donate money. Celebrities in general, just to kind of get the name out there. It really is going to help with research and donating money for kids to get better. More medical machines, and all that kind of thing. I just think anybody who can make it more aware for people, and do fundraisers, anything like that is just unbelievable.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

JH: It’s a great program and if you think about it, it’s all for the kids. They’re the hope the future for us and we need to get them better and give them a shot at their dreams too.

Interviewed by Kelly Rippin, NBC News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2009

FIRST PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED FOR "THE 43rd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS"

NASHVILLE - The excitement is building as the first group of presenters are announced for "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards," hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, and airing live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

The first celebrities announced as Awards presenters during "Country Music's Biggest NightT" are NASCAR superstar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.; stars of ABC's "The Middle" Neil Flynn and Patricia Heaton; Julianne Hough; nominee Randy Houser (for both New Artist and Music Video of the Year for "Boots On"); nominee Jake Owen (New Artist of the Year); Kellie Pickler; CMA Award winner LeAnn Rimes; and ABC News's Robin Roberts, co-anchor of "Good Morning America" and host of the upcoming "Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville" ABC television special (airing Nov. 10).

In addition, hot emerging trio Love And Theft will host the Pre-Telecast Awards, which are given out during the half-hour before the televised event begins. Among the Awards presented during this time are the CMA Broadcast Awards, which recognize the Broadcast Personality and Station of the Year in four categories (small, medium, large, and major market) as well as the National Broadcast Personality of the Year.

Performers already announced include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and Dave Mathews, Billy Currington, Vince Gill and Daughtry, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band, with more to be named soon.

Tickets for the 2009 CMA Awards can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Sommet Center box office, located 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $110 for Upper Level. Great Lower Level seats are also available. All ticket prices include sales tax, but exclude applicable service/handling fees.

"The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2009 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music.

STORY:

New do, new look. The budding country star highlights her darker blonde haircolor with a flame-red gown at the ASCAP Country Music Awards in Nashville.

This year, music fans will enjoy an early holiday gift with the October 6 release of Now That’s What I Call A Country Christmas. This music-packed stocking stuffer comes on the heels of the multi-platinum NOW Christmas series of double CDs, and the chart-topping success of NOW That’s What I Call Country Volumes 1 and 2.

For the first time, this double-disc set includes 29 of the most beloved holiday favorites from country greats like Elvis and Johnny Cash, alongside current country stars like Kenny Chesney and George Strait, making this the perfect holiday gift for the entire family.

NOW That’s What I Call A Country Christmas is the newest of the world’s best selling multi-artist album series, NOW That's What I Call Music! The Now series is collectively responsible for sales of 73 million albums in the U.S. over the last 10 years. Every album in the series has reached the Billboard Top 10, and is the only non-soundtrack, multi-artist collection to reach #1 Billboard status on the Billboard Top 200 Album Sales Chart.

NOW That’s What I Call A Country Christmas Track Listing

DISC ONE

Darius Rucker Winter Wonderland

Brad Paisley Away in the Manger

Julianne Hough Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

George Strait Joy to the World

Lady Antebellum It's Cold Outside

Brooks and Dunn I'll Be Home for Christmas

Luke Bryan Run Run Rudolph

Josh Turner The First Noel

Kellie Pickler Santa Baby

Trace Adkins It's Christmas

Little Big Town Go Tell it on the Mountain

Lee Ann Womack The Man With the Bag

Taylor Swift Christmases When You Were Mine

Kenny Chesney Silver Bells

DISC TWO

Gene Autry Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Elvis/Martina McBride Blue Christmas

Merle Haggard Jingle Bells

Vince Gill O Little Town of Bethlehem

Alison Krauss Shimmy Down the Chimney

Reba McEntire Up On the Housetop

Glen Campbell O Holy Night

Tanya Tucker What Child Is This

Alabama Christmas In Dixie

Brenda Lee Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Kenny Rogers Kentucky Home Made Christmas

Dolly Parton Hard Candy Christmas

Amy Grant A Christmas to Remember

Johnny Cash Silent Night

Burl Ives Holly Jolly Christmas

Julianne Hough is Wizard of Oz Wonderful

Julianne Hough’s pup Lexi gets really interested in The Wizard of Oz character Scarecrow as they attend the Netflix outdoor concert and movie screening at the Rumsey Playfield, Central Park in NYC on Tuesday night (September 29).

The 21-year-old actress/singer has been touring the country and singing her heart out but took time out to see one of her favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz in NYC.

Julianne tweeted earlier, “At the studio in NY with the boys working on The Wizard of Oz songs.”

Next for Julianne: Footloose with Chace Crawford and Kenny Ortega.

15+ pics inside of Julianne Hough…

READ MORE HERE

Julianne Hough Has No Regrets About Not 'Dancing' This Season

'Dancing With the Stars' will be missing one familiar face when the show's ninth season kicks off Tuesday night. Julianne Hough, after appearing on the show for five seasons, and winning the coveted mirror-ball trophy twice, is sitting this season out to focus on her music career. But fans of the songstress might still catch a glimpse of her on the show.

"I'm not closing any doors or anything," Julianne tells Toledo radio station KISS FM. "I definitely want to come back at some point, whether it's to do the results show where they have the artist come on and then dance. I'm sure I'll do something this season."

Julianne had talked about taking a break from the hit show last year, before agreeing to one more season, during which she danced with real-life boyfriend Chuck Wicks. And in spite of the heavy demands of the show, the multi-talented Julianne has no regrets. "We definitely knew it was going to be a tough thing, so we both went in there, thinking 'Alright, let's just go in there, being professional.' Luckily, he's cool. He let me be dominant. It didn't hurt his male ego. And for me, I guess I kind of took a little bit of a step back from how I usually teach. Usually I'm a little bit more tough. But ... relationships are a little bit more important."

Taking time off from the show was hardly an easy decision for Julianne, CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST AT THEBOOT.COM

She may have jitterbugged, shuffled and foxtroted into America’s hearts as one of the professionals on “Dancing with the Stars,” but in the last year, Julianne Hough’s focus has shifted from fancy footwork to vocal virtuosity with the release of her eponymous debut album in May 2008, featuring two singles, “That Song in My Head” and “My Hallelujah Song.” Currently, the talented singer is working on a second album and writing some of her own songs. Hough, who recently turned 21, is also a becoming a true triple threat, taking on a role in the upcoming remake of Footloose. Hough performs at Mandalay Bay Beach Sept. 5 and promises audiences a sneak peek at some of the songs from her new album.

Whats On: Is there more pressure to be the headliner than when you’ve been the opening act for other country music stars?

Julianne Hough: I like to headline because opening up for somebody, you only get a certain amount of time to connect with the audience and, sometimes, it’s in the daytime, nobody can see, everybody’s doing their own thing, they’re not really settled yet, so I like to headline. I think it’s more relaxing. I feel like I can take my time onstage and really engage with the audience.

WO: Are you still dancing or is the focus completely on your music right now?

H: It’s completely on music. I’m going to take a couple of seasons off [from “Dancing with the Stars”], but then I’ll be back. I’m working on my new record, and I’ll make sure it’s the best it can be.

WO: How do you compare preparing for a concert to preparing for a dance performance?

As a dancer, Julianne Hough studied five years in London before becoming the youngest ever — and the first American — to win Junior World Latin Champion and International Latin Youth Champion at the 2002 Blackpool Dance Festival in England.

She went on to stardom in the American version of the popular "Dancing With the Stars" TV competition, winning it twice.

As a country singer, Hough snagged both the 2009 Top New Artist and Top New Female Vocalist awards from the Academy of Country Music. She has spent most of the past year on the road, opening for Brad Paisley and George Strait in addition to festival and solo appearances, promoting her year-old eponymous debut album.

As an actress, she is set to star in the anticipated remake of "Footloose," which will co-star Chace Crawford of "Gossip Girl" fame and be directed by Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical"). Filming should begin next spring.

So what is she: Dancer? Country singer? Actress?

"I'm an entertainer," Hough — pronounced "huff" — says without hesitation. "I love to dance. I love to sing. I want to act. All around to entertain."

We caught up with Hough, 21, last week at a concert stop in Delaware to chat about her show Saturday at Desert Diamond Casino.

You're still on the road with George Strait. Have you spent any alone time with him, picking his brain?

"We see him going from his bus to the stage and from the stage to his bus. Actually Chuck (Wicks, her boyfriend) was out, and he was like, 'So do you see George often?' And I basically said no, I don't really see him. Right after I got finished saying that, we see George in catering and we ended up talking for 30 minutes."

What have you learned from being out with him?

"I think the biggest thing I've learned, even from the Brad Paisley tour (summer 2008), is just how they are both so great to every single person they work with. With George, it's a testament if you look at the people who have worked with him for 34 years, from the beginning. They are very, very loyal. Somebody's not going to be loyal if they aren't loyal in return."

The last young, blond singer to open for Strait was Taylor Swift. We all know what happened after that. Are you hoping for a similar fairy tale?

"Oh, absolutely. She's phenomenal. And George kind of took her under his wings — kind of the way he's been doing with me. And she's had so much success. Being on his tour and being in front of different audiences every night, . . . you kind of get to win over their audiences every night. It's great."

Have you figured out who your audience is?

"My audience is very strange, in a great way. Because of 'Dancing With the Stars,' they are so diverse. I have little girls from 3 years old that dance in front of the television when the show comes on all the way up to my grandparents' age. It's all the (TV) fans who have followed me over (to country music), and then people who only know my music and never watched the show. It's a wide demographic."

Would you chase the Disney 'tween crowd like Taylor?

"If it naturally happens, I think that's great. I think music is music. . . . If it does something for you and it can cross over to another genre, then I think that's great."

You've already begun working on your sophomore album, which is due out next year. What can we expect?

"I definitely want to have some songs that I can groove to up on stage and still feel like it's me. It's a little bit more edgy, a little bit more mature. The songs have a little more depth. I love my songs that I sing now, but . . . these songs are a little more personal."

When you take your final bow at Desert Diamond Casino, what do you hope the audience members say as they're driving home?

"I want them to walk away and say, 'Oh man, she's a better singer than she is a dancer.' "

CLICK HERE to check out Julianne on abc.com promoting the CMA Music Festival Special on ABC. Click on DAY 3 to see Julianne's interview.

ET was there as celebrity dog-trainer Tamar Geller showed "Dancing" pro Julianne Hough and country music singer/songwriter Lee Ann Womack how to teach their dogs to be perfectly behaved pooches!

Tamar helps Julianne's energetic dog Lexie become less skittish, and she coaches Lee Ann's canines Shadow and Wilson on how to think before they pounce. Click the video to watch!

AIRS MONDAY, AUG. 10 (Check your local listings for show times)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PREVIEW SEGMENT

Catch Julianne Hough interview with celebrity dog trainer, Tamar Geller, on Entertainment Tonight this Wednesday, August 5^th at 11pm CST.

http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2009/07/29/julianne-houghs-tips-for-getting-instantly-glam-on-tour/

Julianne Hough’s Tips for Getting Instantly Glam On Tour

Evan Agostini/AP

Julianne Hough may have traded her sparkling Dancing With the Stars costumes and glitzy Hollywood lifestyle for a grueling tour schedule with George Strait — but that doesn’t mean the country star is letting life on the road stop her from looking as gorgeous as ever. As part of her summer campaign with Gillette’s Venus Embrace razor, the singer has produced an online booklet which reveals style and real-life advice to her die-hard fans — and she’s sharing with PEOPLE.com a few more of her favorite secrets for looking her best on and off the stage. And if there’s one product she knows will never fail even under the stadium lights’ intense glare, it’s fake lashes: “I love Ardell–the individual ones,” she says. “I’ll just put them on and won’t wear mascara and it’s like, whoa,” she laughs. And mascara itself has been a bit of an issue on the tour. “Lately I haven’t been using waterproof mascara, so I’ve been having black all down my face when I get off-stage.” But there is one beauty product that has yet to let her down, “My foundation is really great,” she says. “I love the Armani Luminous — that’s my favorite. It still looks really dewy and fresh and bright, but it doesn’t run at all and stays on all day.” Check out more of Julianne’s get-glam-quick tips in her Goddess Guide to Getting Closer along with her tips on working out and dating at gillettevenus.com. Tell us: What are your get glam fast secrets?–Katie Kauss

American Red Cross Adds Five New Celebrity Volunteers

Announcement follows First Lady Michelle Obama's official launch of United We Serve initiative

National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
www.redcross.org

Contact: Public Affairs Desk
FOR MEDIA ONLY
media@usa.redcross.org
Phone: (202) 303-5551

WASHINGTON, Thursday, July 30, 2009 — The American Red Cross is pleased to announce five new additions to its National Celebrity Cabinet, a group of celebrity supporters who promote Red Cross services by donating their time, helping neighbors prepare for emergencies, responding to disasters and lending a helping hand to those in need.

New members to the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet include country singer and professional ballroom dancer Julianne Hough; Tony Award®-winner and actress Anika Noni Rose, who lends her voice to the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated comedy adventure “The Princess and the Frog” and appears in the HBO/Anthony Minghella television drama series,“#1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”; Hollywood Records artist and Disney Channel star, Demi Lovato, who is supporting disaster relief via a Text 2 Help campaign throughout her summer tour; actress Sally Pressman from Lifetime’s “Army Wives” who will be supporting Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces and actress Amanda Peet.

Peet has already made a personal commitment to support the Red Cross Measles Initiative. “As a mom, I feel privileged to support the American Red Cross in their efforts to vaccinate millions of children around the world through the Measles Initiative, a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. I commend the American Red Cross for tackling this global health problem in developing countries, where measles remains a leading cause of death, despite the availability of a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine. I am passionate about this cause and look forward partnering with the American Red Cross to ensure children worldwide have this life-saving opportunity.”

“The American Red Cross runs on the valuable service of volunteers to fulfill our mission, and we are grateful that these celebrities are setting an example by volunteering their time and talents to help raise awareness of our work in responding to disasters, providing blood, helping military members and their families and promoting preparedness through first aid or CPR classes,” states Gail McGovern, President and CEO of American Red Cross.

The announcement of these celebrity supporters closely follows First Lady Michelle Obama’s official launch of the United We Serve initiative, a call for nationwide service to begin a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to meet community needs. The initiative spans throughout the summer and will culminate with a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. During this time, the Red Cross will promote volunteer opportunities throughout its network of more than 700 chapters to help encourage community service.

“I am honored to be a part of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet and help support an organization that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war and aid to victims of devastating natural disasters. Being part of this amazing organization will provide me with an opportunity to join its efforts to help others and encourage the American public to become involved with their local Red Cross and make a difference,” said Julianne Hough. Please visit Celebrity Cabinet member quotes.

The Red Cross benefits from the involvement of public figures and celebrities dating back to World War I. Over the years, actors, artists, and sports figures committing their time and talents to the organization have played an important role in raising public awareness of Red Cross services nationwide.

New Members of the 2009 American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet:

• Julianne Hough is multi-talented; a singer, a dancer and actress. She is widely known for being a two-time winner of ABC's “Dancing with the Stars.” Her self-titled debut album was released in May of last year, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Country Album chart and is currently in the studio working on her second. This spring, Hough won the Top New Artist award at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. She can be seen on stage this summer as the opening act for George Strait's Summer 2009 tour.
• Demi Lovato burst on to the scene after starring alongside the Jonas Brothers in the Disney Channel Original film “Camp Rock.” She released her first album, Don’t Forget, in 2008 and will release her second studio album, Here We Go Again, on July 21, 2009. Demi also stars in her own hit series “Sonny with a Chance” and co-stars in the Disney Channel Original film, “Princess Protection Program” with Selena Gomez. Lovato performed as the Jonas Brothers' opening act for their “Burning Up” tour last summer, and this summer she has her own tour, with special guest David Archuleta. Additionally, Lovato’s family was devastated by a tornado that struck Mena, Arkansas on April 9 and Demi is committed to support disaster awareness through the American Red Cross Text 2 Help campaign.
• Amanda Peet gained recognition as the leading lady in the smash hit comedy “The Whole Nine Yards” with Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry. She was also named one of People's "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" the same year. Peet showcases her talents in feature films “Something's Gotta Give”, “Igby Goes Down”, “Syriana”, alongside George Clooney, and this year’s disaster film “2012”. Peet’s passion to serve is demonstrated in her support for non-profits and advocacy for childhood vaccination.
• Sally Pressman plays the role of Roxy LeBlanc on Lifetime's "Army Wives," and has previously acted in the independent film "The Dread" and the TV show "Shark". She was classically trained in ballet and is a former member of the Manhattan Ballet Company. She attended Yale University where she acted in several plays and received a B.A. in theatre studies.
• Anika Noni Rose won the 2004 Tony Award for her role in Broadway's "Caroline or Change", and this Spring she could be seen weekly as Grace Makutsi on HBOs "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency". She starred in the feature film "Dream Girls" alongside Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson, and this year Rose lends her voice to Disney's upcoming animated feature "The Princess and the Frog", becoming Disney's first African-American princess.

This group of newcomers joins the National Celebrity Cabinet that also includes Greg Biffle, Pierce Brosnan, Jackie Chan, Chayanne, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Sara Evans, George Foreman, Leeza Gibbons, Amy Grant, Pat Green, Marcia Gay Harden, Dwayne Johnson, Heidi Klum, Patti LaBelle, Peyton and Eli Manning, Marlee Matlin, Dr. Phil McGraw, “Access Hollywood’s” Nancy O’Dell, Masi Oka, Rascal Flatts, Raven-Symone, Elisabeth Rohm, Jane Seymour, Jimmy Smits, and Daddy Yankee.

The Red Cross is honored to have Sherry Lansing, former chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Group, Paramount Pictures and former member of the Red Cross Board of Governors, to serve as National Celebrity Cabinet Chair.

Please visit www.redcross.org/celebritycabinet/ to learn more about the Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.

http://bit.ly/RedCrossCeleb

'Stars' dancer Julianne Hough says country music comes first

By Kellie B. Gormly
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, July 23, 2009

Ondrea Barbe

George Strait
With: Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Admission: $15.25-$70.25
Where: Post-Gazette Pavilion, Burgettstown

Julianne Hough gathered a huge fan following as a professional dancer, particularly from her two-time champion role in the smash ABC series "Dancing With the Stars." Now, Hough has shifted her focus to her budding country music career, at least for the time being.

Hough -- who will perform Saturday night at George Strait's show, along with Blake Shelton -- says focusing on both ventures simultaneously would be exhausting.

"I never like to do anything halfway," she says. "For me, when I try to juggle both careers at the same time, I don't feel like I'm giving my heart and soul."

Hough, who also has worked as an actress, says she loves dancing, but her ultimate goal always was to become a country music artist.

"I love both careers," Hough says. "I'll always dance; it's a passion of mine. ... With the music, I feel like you can connect with (people) more and get instant feedback. You can see them singing along, and actually talk to them and have a conversation onstage.

"With the dancing ... it's a little more selfish; you dance for yourself," she says. "With lyrics and melody, you can touch people's lives."

The Utah native, also a songwriter, spent five years in London dancing. She moved back to America a few years ago to continue dancing here, and pursue her highest aspiration, to sing the plainspoken, humorous, realistic and touching music of country.

"With country music, we're basically like, 'Hey, we're just like you, and we go through these things,'" Hough says. "I think that's why country fans are so loyal. They get it, and they understand it."

Hough's self-titled debut album, released in May 2008, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The album includes the hit single "That Song in My Head." She followed up later that year with "The Julianne Hough Holiday Collection," part of the "NBC Sounds of the Season" series.

Hough is working on a new studio album and hopes to release a new single by the end of the year. She hopes to release the album early next year. Hough says she is excited, but also feels the pressure with her second album. Many artists fall victim to the sophomore jinx, where their second album isn't nearly as successful as the first.

Hough calls this next album her most important one.

"This is the one, I think, that's going to make me or break me," she says. "I could stay where I'm at or, hopefully, catapult" to a higher level.

Hough says she is thrilled to be opening for Strait, often called the King of Country Music. He is shy and does no media interviews, but Strait is very nice and a bit of a jokester, she says.

"He is just phenomenal ... a country music legend," Hough says. "He's somebody that I grew up listening to, and he takes me under his wing a lot."

Utah's Julianne Hough and Blake Shelton to open for George Strait in first Utah stop since 1998.

By David Burger

This should be a great week for Utah native Julianne Hough -- and not just because she's opening for the legendary country crooner George Strait Friday. On Monday, Hough turns 21. "I'm going to make a special trip and hang out and get all of my high-school friends to come and have a birthday party on the 20th," Hough said in an interview. It's been quite a life for the girl -- I mean, woman -- who spent formative years in Utah before becoming a two-time champion of "Dancing With the Stars." She released a self-titled debut album in May 2008, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart, and has now sold more than 300,000 copies, which is one reason she'll be a special guest on Strait's first Utah concert stop since 1998.

Fellow country singer Blake Shelton is another guest on Strait's tour, and he says he's proud to be opening for The King of Country. "Guys want to be [Strait], and girls want to be with him," said Shelton, who has charted 15 singles on the country charts, including five No. 1 hits: "Austin" (2001), "The Baby" (2003), "Some Beach" (2004-2005), "Home" (2008) and "She Wouldn't Be Gone" (2009).

While Strait wasn't available for interviews, one of the people who know him best was: Tommy Foote, Strait's tour manager since 1984 and the drummer for Strait's first band, Ace in the Hole. With Foote on drums, Strait's debut single "Unwound" was an instant success, and since then, he has amassed a total of 57 No. 1 hits, breaking a record set by Conway Twitty. And Strait isn't done yet -- his new album "Twang" will be released in August. Strait's concert this time around will be more than just another tour. "He's achieved a legendary status," Foote said. "It seems to be more of an event than just a concert. We're playing venues we haven't played for 15 years." The show should be considered an event, Foote opines, because Strait's voice is better than ever. "George is singing better," Foote said. "I don't know if it's a conscious decision, but it has gained more character and a timbre." If that's so, Hough will get one heck of a rendition of the "Happy Birthday" song from the headliner this weekend.

Country Gals Cover Shape Magazine

LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride and Julianne Hough will be on the cover of the July issue of Shape magazine. Inside, the bikini-clad babes tell how they get (and keep) those fab bodies. Among the topics, McBride shares her fascination with nutrition and how she encourages her husband and daughters to eat healthily. She also discusses the importance of a positive self-image in addition to physical beauty.

"It's always been my passion to sing country music," says Julianne Hough.

"It's so real. I love listening to pop and rock, but there's something about country music."

Julianne Hough will bring ‘Taste of Country’ to Buffalo

By Joe Sweeney

When music is described as “real,” that’s usually code for stripped instrumentation or in-your-face production values—like a protest song from Bob Dylan or Public Enemy.

And in the glory days of country music, folks like Johnny, Patsy, Tammy and Willie were defined by this style. Songs were performed so honestly that the listener could feel every ache and pain as if they were their own.

Concert Preview

WYRK Taste of Country

Featuring Blake Shelton, Craig Morgan, above, Randy Owen and Julianne Hough, at 7 p. m. Friday at Coca-Cola Field. Remaining tickets are $25 and are available at the ballpark box office or through Tickets.com.

Now, the country genre has evolved into a glossier, more upbeat style that has crossed over in a major way. Instead of a lonely woman trying to convince us that she should stand by her man, contemporary country tends to be sun-drenched party music that borrows heavily from modern rock and pop.

But according to Julianne Hough and Craig Morgan—two high-profile performers set to take the stage at the 10th annual WYRK Taste of Country concert on Friday at Coca-Cola Field— country may have changed, but the realness has stayed the same.

“It’s always been my passion to sing country music,” says Hough, the 20- year-old singer who initially found fame as a dancer on the TV show “Dancing With the Stars.” “It’s so real. I love listening to pop and rock, but there’s something about country music. I don’t think any other genre [lets you] put yourself out there, open and accessible to everybody. That’s why our format has the best fan base in the world.”

Morgan, a 43-year-old Tennessean who has tossed off a string of hit records over the last decade and recently became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, clearly feels the same way.

“There is a realness to the country music format,” he says. “We do a fan music fest, and you don’t hear about anything like that in rock or pop or hip-hop. They don’t do that stuff. They don’t spend four days signing autographs for their fans.”

Agree with this assessment or not, there’s definitely a wide audience for the genre’s “what you see is what you get” attitude. The Taste of Country show is a much-anticipated event for local country fans, and they have a lot of concerts to choose from every summer — not to mention a popular radio station and clubs like the Sportsmen’s Tavern, which has become a major source of live, local country music.

Along with Hough and Morgan, the Taste of Country lineup features Blake Shelton, an Oklahoma native who has made his mark on the country charts since his 2001 debut album, and Randy Owen, lead singer of the legendary group Alabama.

Hough’s story is a remarkable one that should never be told to stage moms. Set on becoming a triple threat from a very young age, the Utah native worked hard on her singing, dancing and acting chops while her peers played with Polly Pockets. After studying dance in London in her early teens, Hough returned to the States, where she eventually landed the “Dancing With the Stars” gig.

She has been able to leverage her success on that show into a very promising country music career — Hough was named “Top New Artist” at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards, on the strength of her self-titled debut album. It’s a lot for a kid to absorb.

“I definitely feel blessed and fortunate,” Hough shares, when asked about her rapid rise to fame. “And, of course, it looks like it happened really quickly. But I’ve been performing my whole life, ever since I was 3 years old.

“I did grow up real fast,” she says. “And I could be really responsible at a young age. Now I can be a little bit looser, have a little bit more fun and not think so much. I think I’m less mature now than I was then!”

Morgan is a seasoned veteran with five albums under his belt, but he’s vehement that he’s still the everyman. After every show, the artist loads the equipment trucks alongside his crew.

When asked if he was looking forward to playing a blue-collar city like Buffalo, he responds: “I’m the same guy that they are. I still do all the same stuff they do. I don’t have a bunch of people hired to do everything.

“Why is it that when we’re successful, we’re not supposed to do anything anymore?” he asks. “It ain’t that way, and it ain’t that way for most people, too.”

Whether it’s an act or not, Morgan’s insistence on just being one of the guys is awfully appealing. Any struggling musician knows what it’s like to have to load your own gear into the van after a long set, dreaming that one day you’ll have a roadie to do it all for you. The fact that Morgan doesn’t just hightail it to the tour bus when he’s done playing is pretty fantastic.

No matter what your thoughts might be about country music in 2009, listening to a pair of its stars attest to its realness has got to leave a good taste in your mouth.

THUMBS UP!

Look ma, no cavities! Dancing With the Stars pro Julianne Hough (in a coral Jenny Packham dress) opens up backstage at the CMT Music Awards at Nashville's Sommet Center on Tuesday. Big winners at the country gala included Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift, who took home two awards for her video, "Love Story."

Photos by Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY

Produced by William Couch, Tory Hargro, Jerry Mosemak, Frank Pompa, Kim Willis and Jym Wilson, USA TODAY

STARS GIVE GOOD FACE FOR CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL PORTRAITS

Country music’s best and brightest take a breather between signing autographs and performing live to post for USA TODAY. CLICK HERE for more photos.

Julianne Hough Is Determined to Win Over Country Fans on George Strait Tour

Two-Time Dancing With the Stars Champion Is Working on Her New Album

June 9, 2009; Written by Craig Shelburne

Julianne Hough

Editor's note: Julianne Hough hosts the 2009 CMT Music Awards Video of the Year Special premiering Saturday (June 13) at 2 p.m. ET/PT.

At 20 years old, Julianne Hough has one of the coolest summer jobs anywhere -- opening concerts for George Strait. Prior to a show in Cincinnati last month, the two-time Dancing With the Stars champion spent a few minutes fixing her hair, fussing over her puppy and tackling questions about life on the road, her determination to succeed in country music and why her bubbly personality shines through in her songs.

CMT: For the people who see your set, what do you hope they would take away?

Hough: A lot of them are coming because they're a fan of the music, but a lot of them are coming because they're like, "Oh, I wonder if she can sing?" You know, "We know her as a dancer. We've heard her song on the radio, but can she sing live?" Or, "Is she fun live?" Hopefully, that's what they leave with when they come to see me -- "Oh, man. She's a great performer. She really can sing, and she deserves to be in this format." So, you know, it's definitely a two-thumbs-up when you're with the King of Country Music, but you still have to show 'em what you got.

Do you think you were born with determination, or did you develop it?

I have a lot of characteristics that my dad has. He's very determined, very daredevil. He'd be willing to do anything and do it full out. So I definitely inherited it, but also with everything that I went through -- and being young and having all of these opportunities -- I definitely wanted to make the best of it.

With so much going on in your career, what's the course of action when you have to make a tough business decision?

Well, I first go to my dad and I say, "Dad, this is what's going on." You know, I have my business manager and I have a manager. But nobody has my best interests like my dad does and my family and my mom and everything. My dad's just a little wiser because he's got a business degree. (laughs) I would never do anything that would compromise anything with my family, and I want to make sure that they're always involved. They're not stage parents, but they're very much involved. I let them know what's going on.

So many young girls love singing and dancing and dreaming of that life. But for parents who see that talent in their children, what advice can you give them?

It's so hard because everything costs money. If you have it, and you see your kid that has talent ... or maybe isn't technically the most talented, but if she had lessons ... that would help them so much. And it would give them something to dream about, to look forward to and even keep them out of trouble. (laughs) I know my parents put me in all of the lessons -- and all my siblings because there were five of us. To keep track of us all is a hard thing to do, to make sure we're doing the right thing. I mean, we always would go to lessons, and we would go to a million different things. Then we would pick the ones that we really loved. That way, we just kept going for it. I would just say trust your kids because even though they're young, they definitely have passions, too, and dreams and goals, and parents are the ones that can help them achieve it.

Let's talk about your new music. How far along are you on the new record?

I'm just starting. I'm writing still, and because I started to do Dancing With the Stars again to dance with Chuck [Wicks], I blame it all on him. No, I had to kind of stop the writing process a little bit. I'm just now starting up again and listening to songs and getting ready for that whole thing again. I'm so pumped. I'm so excited. Just being on the road the last year with Brad Paisley and doing my own shows and, of course, now with George, you kind of figure out what works and what doesn't. I've figured out what doesn't and what does, and now we're going to go with the "what does" work. (laughs)

What can your fans expect from it? What does work?

You know, just some really fun grooves. Music is music and country music has the lyrics. I want something with a really cool groove. Keith Urban stepped out of the box. He's got those awesome grooves. It's still country, for sure, but it makes you want to stand up. It makes you want to move, and that's one thing I felt that I missed a little bit on the last record. ... A lot of honesty. I think the simplest, most honest songs are always the best and people can relate to those and that's what it's about. That's what I'm looking for to, and hopefully everybody else will like it.

I think people are really drawn to your personality. How important is it that your personality is reflected in the music that you're writing and supporting?

It's huge. People kind of saw "Julianne" on the show because it's a reality show. But also, reality shows aren't always all what they seem to be. They show a lot of things that are great, but I want people to see "Julianne." She's positive and wants the best for everybody ... and I'm talking in the third person. (laughs). But, you know, I'm just saying that it's really important. I want people to realize that I'm 20 and, "Oh, my gosh. I have a career at 20 years old." But it started really early, and even though I'm young, it hasn't been easy. And I like to just hang out with my family and play with nephews and nieces and just be normal. I think that's the best part. I mean, I'm sitting here in the bathroom doing my hair and makeup, doing this interview, with curlers in my hair!

Monday, June 8, 2009

CMT Breakthrough Week starts with Julianne Hough
Posted by Brian Truitt

All this week, we’re running down the four nominees for the USA WEEKEND Breakthrough Video of the Year honor at next week’s CMT Music Awards. And we start today with Julianne Hough, the two-time Dancing With The Stars champ and country star on the rise. Her self-titled debut album topped country charts when it was released in May of last year, and the first single from that album, That Song in My Head, garnered her her first music video and her first CMT award nomination. Hough will also host the 2009 CMT Music Awards Video of the Year Special at 2 p.m. ET Saturday. I had a chance to talk with the 20-year-old singer recently about the video and her fledgling career, so click read more for the Q&A. Be sure to check out her video below and tune in to see if Hough wins live on CMT at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday, June 16.

Was that cool to have your first music video ever get nominated?
First of all, when you’re a kid you want to sing and do all that, and you always dream of having a music video. And to have to that be my first music video and have it be nominated, it’s huge and so overwhelming. We had such an amazing time shooting it. Obviously, I was so nervous because it was my first video and never experienced anything like that, but it was really fun, really relaxed and the storyline was really great.

From the day scenes on the pier to the night beach shots, it seems like there was a lively atmosphere to work in.
It was really fun because the director, Trey Fanjoy, she’s an amazing director. She really gets all the artists she works with and highlights their personality and what they’re known for. For me, I feel like I’m a lucky girl and I’m always happy because of what I’m doing and she portrayed that: skipping along down the pier, dancing a little bit and enjoying everything that’s around me. That’s how I feel now. I met the dude who was in it with me like two seconds before I had to kiss him. That was really awkward.

Is that the first time that’s happened?
Oh yeah, definitely! I’m not that type where I just meet somebody and kiss them. That’s not who I am! But it was really fun. At the time I was dating somebody and who can say that they can kiss somebody else at the same time, you know?

At one point, your love interest in the video writes his number in your hand. Have you ever had that happen to you?
No, I haven’t. But I’ve had a guy actually be like, “Oh, let me see your phone!” and then they type their number in and call their number so that they have my number. I’m like, “What?! You just didn’t do that.”

Have you started working on another album?
Yeah, I’m working on it now and writing for it and listening to songs. I just want to take my time. Last time, it was really rushed and it was great for what it was, but now that I have more time to do it, I’ll probably be in a little bit better situation.

Did you write songs before you went pro?
I always wanted to write songs and I’d always start but would never finish it, because I’d be like, “I’m not good enough. I need someone to help me finish!” I’m such a perfectionist, I can’t just write an OK song. I’m like, “It has to be the best song ever!” It’s always been in me, always wanted to write, but never had the opportunity. I’m just now getting into it and it’s really great.

For you, what is the key to writing the best song ever?
I just think lyrically, you have to come up with something that means something to you, is simple enough to make sense to everybody without them having to listen to it 15 times to understand what you’re talking about, and something they can relate to. But melody is also important, too, and it’s really hard to come up with a unique melody after so many years of music! It’s fun. It’s a challenge and I love challenges.

Photos by Ondrea Barbe

http://blogs.usaweekend.com/whos_news/

George Strait and Reba McEntire takes the stage at Cowboys Stadium

By: Mario Tarradell

June 3, 2009

Any George Strait concert is an event. Classic country, King George and North Texas – expect a huge mass of people every time. But this show is an even bigger deal. It's the inaugural shindig at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on Saturday. So before the extravaganza, let's take a closer look at His Majesty and the royal court, which would be opening acts Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton and Julianne Hough.

George Strait
THE PRESENT Being named artist of the decade in May by the Academy of Country Music seemed, well, overdue. The native Texan has been one of the most consistent hit makers in contemporary country music since he emerged in 1981 with the Top 10 single "Unwound." He's pretty much been unstoppable since. Artist of the decade? No, much more than that.

THE FUTURE: "Living for the Night" is Strait's new single, the first radio track from his upcoming album, Twang, which is scheduled for a fall release. Expect this one to dominate the airwaves, too.

THE IMPORTANCE It's been immense. He's influenced just about every Wrangler-wearing, starched-shirt-sporting, cowboy-hat-donning male singer with a guitar and a penchant for traditional country. And Strait's aw-shucks attitude is genuine. That makes him all the more important.

Reba McEntire
THE PRESENT Her current single, "Strange," is already a Top 20 hit. That means the ubiquitous Reba remains viable nearly 30 years after her breakthrough tune, 1980's "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven."

THE FUTURE McEntire's debut album for Valory Music, Keep on Loving You, arrives in stores Aug. 18. It includes a rare tune co-written by Reba, "She's Turning Fifty Today," and plenty of "sassy, up-tempo songs" she recently told Billboard magazine.

THE IMPORTANCE She's almost as artistically influential as Strait. McEntire, a multimedia star who's also conquered acting and fashion designing, has made her mark through sheer force of personality, tenacity and an unequaled ability to interpret story songs with powerful messages to which we can all relate.

Blake Shelton
THE PRESENT "I'll Just Hold On" is moving toward the Top 20 on Billboard's country singles chart. It comes from Startin' Fires, Shelton's fifth studio album. That record already produced the chart-topper "She Wouldn't Be Gone." Shelton's four previous CDs have all been certified gold-sellers.

THE FUTURE Shelton's got 12 touring dates this summer with Strait. And could his future include a more serious relationship with girlfriend Miranda Lambert, that rocking-country singing and songwriting firecracker from Lindale?

THE IMPORTANCE The Oklahoma native has managed to effectively straddle his desire to stay traditional with the industry's demands on veering further toward the contemporary (read: pop) side. He hasn't sold out his creative muse yet, and that's a good thing.

Julianne Hough
THE PRESENT She's done pretty well for herself, actually. Hough parlayed two wins on ABC-TV's Dancing With the Stars into a country-music career. Her self-titled debut CD has sold more than 300,000 copies. Thanks to that, the Utah-born singer took home two recent Academy of Country Music Awards: top new female vocalist and top new artist.

THE FUTURE There are rumors that Hough has auditioned for the role of Ariel in the 2010 film remake of Footloose. She can handle a dancing and singing movie.

THE IMPORTANCE It's doubtful that Hough, whose voice and brand of country-pop are serviceable yet hardly remarkable, will be remembered for her artistry. But she is yet another successful example of the synergy between reality-TV competitions and the music business.

George Strait Reminds Cincinnati Audience Why He's Artist of the Decade

Concert Favorites Include "Give It Away," "I Hate Everything," "Troubadour"

May 26, 2009; Written by Craig Shelburne

George Strait

Photo Credit: Craig Shelburne

Editor's note: George Strait: ACM Artist of the Decade All Star Concert airs Wednesday (May 27) at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

CINCINNATI -- During a Friday evening (May 22) concert here at the Riverbend Music Center, George Strait simply stated that he'd be singing some of the old songs and some of the new ones. And if anybody wondered at the end of the night whether he really deserved his recent Artist of the Decade recognition from the Academy of Country Music, the exceptionally-receptive crowd would have disproved all naysayers. Sure, it's always fun to hear "The Fireman," but the loudest applause followed newer hits like "Give It Away," "I Hate Everything" and "Troubadour."

The first few minutes of Strait's set are far different than just about anybody else's in country music. While his Ace in the Hole Band digs into an Western swing instrumental, Strait walks from one end of the stage, grins and waves, then strolls to the other side. After his warm welcome, he plants himself behind the microphone at center stage and remains there for nearly the whole night. Sometimes he strums his guitar, too, but mostly he just stands there and sings. It's worked for him this long. Why change now?

Returning from the photo pit, I found two women -- presumably a mother and daughter -- in my seats swaying along with the songs. I wanted to say something ("Well, excuse me, but I think you've got my chair"), but seeing how wrapped up they were in the music, I didn't have the heart. One of the women had to be at least 80 years old, which reminded me of something I heard a record executive say earlier in the week at the CMT offices: "We need to get country music back to the 18-80 demographic like it was in the 1990s." OK, I'm all for that. However, if anyone thinks teenagers are the only way to fill an arena, they ought to check out the faces at a Strait concert.

I wouldn't dare to put such an enduring artist in a time capsule, expecting to hear every big hit from the 1980s or 1990s. Yes, "Amarillo by Morning" is included this time, along with "Ocean Front Property," "Unwound," "Check Yes or No," "Heartland," "Write This Down" and "I Just Want to Dance With You." He offered a wide variety of material from the last 10 years, too, including "She'll Leave You With a Smile," "Honk if You Honky Tonk," "Seashores of Old Mexico," "Wrapped," "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls," "I Saw God Today," "I Ain't Her Cowboy Anymore" and "River of Love."

Despite some notable omissions, one of my favorite Strait songs -- "I Can Still Make Cheyenne" from 1996 -- still made the cut. In the song, a struggling rodeo cowboy decides it's time to come home, but his wife says he shouldn't bother. See, she's found somebody else -- and the new guy sure ain't no rodeo man. The next line gets me every single time: "He left that phone dangling off the hook/Then slowly turned around and gave it one last look/Then he just walked away." It's like watching a movie whenever I hear that song, and you can almost see the opening and closing credits when Gene Elders plays his mournful fiddle part. (Incidentally, Strait's longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, is credited as one of the co-writers on that song, along with Aaron Barker.)

Speaking of lyrics, this one from "The Cowboy Rides Away" is perfect: "When she dealt the cards, I held my heart." When he comes to that song in concert, the show is pretty much over, unless you're in the front row. Then you can reach up and shake the hand of the King of Country Music. But here's a warning: When Strait looks down at you, everything can get a little bit fuzzy. Because I was the sole photographer in the photo pit at the start of the show, he looked right down at me, which definitely would have been an awesome photo. Instead, right or wrong, I just got this big goofy smile on my face as it dawned on me: "Oh, my God. That's George Strait!"

Like everybody else in the crowd, Blake Shelton knows he's in the presence of royalty when he's at a George Strait concert. Shelton holds down the middle slot on the tour, allowing him to do his funny Strait impersonation from Pure Country. Obviously the crowd screamed for the line in "The Baby" about turning 21 in Cincinnati, yet Shelton managed to keep the crowd engaged throughout his 45-minute set. Because he's been on a never-ending tour for about a decade, Shelton is a polished performer. Plus, he's picked some memorable tunes over the years, such as "Austin," "Some Beach," "Nobody but Me," "The More I Drink," "Home," "She Wouldn't Be Gone" and, of course, the perennial favorite, "Ol' Red." Clearly, he would be well-served with a greatest hits album. I also hope there's still time for "Green," a track from his Startin' Fires album, to go to country radio because it suits Shelton's light-hearted personality to a T.

With a strong voice and charismatic stage presence, Julianne Hough proved herself worthy of the opening slot. Because she only has two perky singles ("That Song in My Head" and "My Hallelujah Song"), she had to stretch her 25-minute set with a cover of the Eagles' "Heartache Tonight" -- a song that's older than she is. However, she managed to succeed where other opening acts fail, and that is to leave 'em wanting more. She reminded the audience that she had played at the venue last year on Brad Paisley's tour. After winning the Academy of Country Music's top new artist award, I'm sure she'll be back yet again.

Song and dance act

By Sarah Rodman, Globe Staff
May 26, 2009

''Dancing With the Stars'' pro Julianne Hough recently won an Academy of Country Music Horizon Award in recognition of her self-titled debut album.

There is a track on Julianne Hough's debut album called "My Hallelujah Song" in which the two-time "Dancing With the Stars" professional champ sings about being grateful for a long-awaited sense of fitting in somewhere. In real life, that somewhere is Nashville and thanks to her recent win of an Academy of Country Music Horizon Award, the 20-year-old Utah native has gotten positive reinforcement that she can have one foot in the ABC ballroom-dance competition while also having a cowboy boot in Music City. She'll take next season off from the show to focus on recording her sophomore album. "That song depicts how I feel right now, I'm the luckiest girl in the world," says a sleepy but chipper Hough on an early morning phone call from a Cincinnati stop on the George Strait tour, for which she and Blake Shelton, serve as opening acts. SARAH RODMAN

Q. Nashville is notoriously prickly to outsiders. With the ACM award does it feel like they're welcoming you with open arms?

A. Winning the award was amazing, even better was going backstage and all the other artists and people in the industry were just so welcoming saying "congratulations girl, we were totally rooting for you!" And then Kristian Bush [of Sugarland] was like "congrats, girl. Welcome to country music!" And I was just like (impersonates herself bursting into tears and laughs). It was awesome. Especially in my situation where I had to cross over from being on a TV show where it wasn't even a music show like "American Idol" and having to show what I got and to have people accept that was really amazing.

Q. One of your sisters wrote "Dreaming Under the Same Moon" that you and your brother, and fellow "Dancing With the Stars" dancer Derek, sing on your album. It sounds like you had a very active and musical family growing up.

A. Definitely. My second sister wrote that song, my oldest sister is a dancer, my third sister, she's a little comedian, and then my brother and I sing, dance, and act. If there was one camera in the house we would all be right in front of that camera trying to be the center of attention. (Laughs)

Q. Who would be your ideal duet partner for the next record?

A. A lot of people do male-female duets and I think it would be fun to do a female-female duet with someone like Faith Hill. Something fun, something girly, and powerful, that would be so cool.

Meet Julianne Hough, she's quite the dancer

Amy Nichol Smith
May 8, 2009 - 4:38PM

Success doesn't always determine one's career choices. Just ask Julianne Hough, who has twice won on Dancing With the Stars but would much rather be the one singing the music.

Hough will open for country superstar George Strait Saturday at the Dodge Arena. And while spending her summer on tour with Strait marks a certain level of success, it still falls short of the accolades she's won on the dance floor.

Hough, originally from Utah, started collecting world dancing titles in her early teens, spending half a decade studying dance in London. From there she made a giant, almost-blind leap. She moved back to her native United States to Los Angeles, where she used her dance skills to make a living

She then joined Dancing With the Stars. When she wasn't filming or on tour with the show, Hough was in Nashville singing. Eventually her determination paid off. Her first single, "Will You Dance With Me", which was recorded for an American Red Cross fund raising project, hit No. 8 on the country charts. The song, which debuted two years ago, was never released to radio and was only available on iTunes and at Wal-Mart.

Soon thereafter Hough was signed to Universal Music Group Nashville and she's now on her way to becoming a country superstar.

Hough's biggest influences include labelmates Reba McEntire and Shania Twain, and her music reflects those artists' style. The songs on the singer's self-titled album include classic country formulas. Some songs tell stories, others are inspiring and some are just fun, uplifting tracks.

And now she's on country's biggest summer tour, and she's blowing up so fast, it may only be a matter of months before she headlines her own shows. That would really be something for her to dance about.

Exclusive Hough interview!

Joel D Amos

Not many know Julianne Hough spent eight years in London. The Dancing with the Stars two-time champion and current hit country singer credits that time with providing her the discipline needed to succeed in entertainment at an early age. “Going over there at 10 years old, I wasn’t with my mom or my dad. I lived with a family out there and my brother Derek also lived there. It was pretty intense,” Hough says.

Wanted: 100,000 places to play
By Jeanette Der Bedrosian, USA TODAY

Play is serious business for KaBOOM!, a national non-profit aimed at locating and funding play spaces. The organization has launched a campaign to locate 100,000 play spaces — playgrounds, skate parks and field complexes — in 100 days in an effort to ensure there is a play space within walking distance of every child.

Through its online play space locator, KaBOOM! is asking parents, teachers and community leaders to enter and rate their local play spaces. For every play space entered, $1 will be donated to charity in the name of country music singer and two-time Dancing With the Stars winner Julianne Hough. The result will help parents locate the best play spaces in their area and provide an honest analysis to community leaders of whether they have enough quality play spaces, says CEO Darell Hammond.

"KaBOOM! cannot build every play space that's out there or raise enough money to do so, but we can put the information out there and help people understand where the areas of issue are," Hammond says.

The organization has teamed up with six non-profit partners to spread the word, Hammond says. The group is using interactive Google maps and social network Twitter to make entries easier.

“If a parent is out there at a playground, they can grab their iPhone or their Blackberry and 'tweet-pic' a photo of the play space to a non-profit partner," Hammond says. Hammond is referring to a Twitter feature that enables camera phone users to quickly post photos.

KaBOOM! helped the city of Tucson recognize a problem with the locations of the city's play spaces, Hammond says. After applying for the non-profit's designation as a Playful City USA, a playground audit of Tucson revealed many of the lower-income areas didn't have sufficient play spaces. As a result, Hammond says, the city has taken steps to open school playgrounds to the public on weekends.

"We want them to improve access, improve quality and improve quantity," Hammond says. "Having a sense of urgency in a short period of time is motivating people to participate locally but also to understand the ramifications nationally. "

KaBOOM!'s campaign started March 23 and runs through June 30, or until 100,000 new play spaces are entered on the site. The organization is partners with YMCA of the USA, the National Wildlife Federation, Shaping America's Health, Jumpstart, America's Promise Alliance and First Book. As of Friday, the database had reached 4,000 new entries.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-04-13-kaboom-play_N.htm

Julianne Hough Talks About ACM Win, Dancing With the Stars
Written by Craig Shelburne

Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS -- As a two-time champion, Julianne Hough is used to people calling in to vote for her on Dancing With the Stars. However, when she accepted the trophy for top new artist -- a fan-voted category -- at the ACM Awards on Sunday (April 5) in Las Vegas, she made it a point to emphasize her gratitude to the fans.

"They have backed me up from the beginning," she told reporters backstage. "They have been the ones that have supported me and given me courage and belief to keep going. When a lot of people thought I was crazy -- [saying] 'You can't do that' -- I was like, 'You know what? I feel like I can.' I know my fans think that, too."

Hough said that Sugarland's Kristian Bush hugged her after her win and officially welcomed her to country music. "I just started crying," she said, as she choked back tears, "and I'm going to start crying again. But it's awesome."

Asked about her high-profile touring schedule, Hough said, "I forgot to mention that. First of all, thanks to Brad Paisley for having me out on his tour last time because that was me growing. And, of course, George Strait asking me this time. ... Woo, stop crying, Julianne, it's over! ... George Strait, just the fact that he has supported me from the beginning as well, I'm totally honored and humbled. I've got so much to learn, and I can't wait."

Hough admitted she was exhausted from balancing her TV engagement with her music career, but she noted she had put dancing aside for the day to enjoy a "date night" with Chuck Wicks, a fellow country singer who is also her dancing partner and boyfriend.

"I knew it was going to be hard for me to transition. I know to a lot of people, this was kind of a weird way to transition, but it's TV. ... And that's the way to do it these days -- to get your foot in the door," she said with a laugh. "And, of course, with my fans, like I said, they have supported me from the beginning, and the other music industry folk and even other artists and writers. All of my texts were from the writers in Nashville, like, 'Go girl, we were rootin' for ya!' That means so much to me, too, just to be accepted in the country music industry."

Asked about Wicks' progress on Dancing With the Stars, she said, "He's so great. He listens to everything they say. Maybe not completely agree with them -- and trust me I don't. We work really hard, and he's so competitive, and I am, too. But I think he's at a good point now."

She also fielded a question about how her family influenced her and her brother, Derek Hough, who also competes on Dancing With the Stars.

"Growing up, we were always trying to be in front of the camera for home videos," she said. "We were always doing it from the beginning and they put us in lessons -- singing, acting, dancing, kung fu. You name it, we were in it. Basically, we just picked what we loved and they said, 'Go for it. We believe in you.' I think that's the biggest thing. I've always believed in myself, too, no matter what anybody says. Because a lot of people have said, 'You're crazy for giving up your dancing to go sing country music,' and I'm like, 'I don't care. This is what I love, and I'm going to do it until I get there.'"

Because she was visibly overwhelmed by the experience, one reporter asked if she usually considered herself to be an emotional person.

"No, I am not an emotional person," she replied. "Out of everybody in my family, I keep it together. I'm the independent person who takes care of everybody else around me, and I'm like a little baby right now. I'm really glad I'm wearing a long dress because my legs are so shaky. I can't believe it! I'm just so excited!"

All of the hottest country crooners headed to Sin City on Sunday for the star-studded Academy of Country Music Awards and our Kevin Frazier was backstage with all of the night's big winners!

"I never thought in a million years!" Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood tells Kevin backstage. "This is amazing!"

"Dancing with the Stars" real-life pair Julianne Hough and Chuck Wicks were also spotted backstage, where Chuck joked about his duty as the boyfriend of the winner of the Top New Artist award.

"She wins an award and leaves me with her purse," Chuck jokes. "I am now the official purse carrier!

Meanwhile, Julianne reflects on her big win.

"This last year has been incredible, just the experiences I've had," she says. "This is a lifelong dream for me. This is the best feeling in the world!

For more AMCA fun, including Taylor Swift, George Strait and Julianne's story about her wardrobe malfunction, CLICK HERE!