Some of Country's queens are getting the chance to sing with the King on an upcoming album of Christmas tracks.
Elvis Presley Christmas Duets pairs the voice of Elvis Presley with the likes of Carrie Underwood and LeAnn Rimes – both of whom were born after the musical legend had died. Martina McBride, Sara Evans, and Wynonna Judd also lend their voices to the tunes. Carrie’s 'duets' with Elvis on "I'll be Home for Christmas," while LeAnn takes on "Here Comes Santa Claus" and Martina sings with Elvis on the Presley favorite "Blue Christmas."
Additional tracks include: "Silent Night" with Sara; "Santa Claus is Back In Town" with Wynonna; "Merry Christmas Baby" with Gretchen Wilson; "Silver Bells" with Anne Murray; "White Christmas" with Amy Grant; and "O Little Town" with Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town.
The songs are being recorded in Nashville's RCA Studio B–the same studio where Elvis recorded his original 1971 Christmas sessions. "We are so pleased that these accomplished artists are collaborating with Elvis in this unique way to make exciting new versions of his Christmas songs," Priscilla Presley said in a press release. "I am sure Elvis would be proud to have worked with them."
Tracks from the album will be previewed August 14 during the 2008 Elvis Week in Memphis.
Source: www.people.com
Jessica Simpson's first country concert was met with mixed reactions. Audiences booed and clapped as the singer, 28, opened for Sara Evans on Saturday at the Country Thunder USA festival in Randall, Wisconsin. "I don't know what your perception is of Jessica Simpson or what tabloid you buy, but I just want you to know that I'm just a girl from Texas," Jessica told the crowd. "I'm just like you. I'm doing what I love and dating a boy."
She dedicated the tune "You're My Sunday" to beau Tony Romo, who was in the audience, and performed a slew of covers — including Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" — as well as her new single "Come On Over." One concertgoer told the local paper: "I'll have to drink a lot of beer to sit through her concert." Added another: "She's an embarrassment to country music."
Not all were haters. One fan told the paper, "I actually like her country songs better. She has a great voice, plus, she's adorable." Despite the lukewarm buzz, her father Joe recently told Usmagazine.com his daughter — whose album drops September 9 - is ready for country. "It feels really good," he said of her album. "She is extremely happy."
Source: www.usmagazine.com
The red-hot romance of John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston got the thumbs-up from one unlikely source: John's former girlfriend, Friday Night Lights star Minka Kelly. Asked how she feels about her ex's new relationship, Minka, 27, told PEOPLE at Wednesday's Rock Bodies event, presented by Self magazine, in New York City: "I'm really happy – as long as they're happy, I am." John, 30, dated Minka for several months late last year.
Justin Timberlake's best friend and business partner, Trace Ayala, is engaged to Reba star JoAnna Garcia, the actress's rep confirms to PEOPLE. Trace, 27, Justin's friend since their childhoods in Memphis, Tennessee, is partners with the singer in New York City's Southern Hospitality restaurant and the William Rast clothing line. JoAnna, 28, Trace's girlfriend for two years, played Reba McEntire's daughter on the sitcom and stars in this fall's new CW series How to Survive the Filthy Rich.
Country singer Sara Evans gave PEOPLE a first look at her photo album from her Saturday wedding to former University of Alabama quarterback Jay Barker. "It was a fairy-tale wedding," Sara, 37, tells PEOPLE. It was also a family affair: Sara was escorted down the grassy aisle at a Tennessee farm by her three children, son Avery, 8, and daughters Olivia, 5, and Audrey, 3.
Jay's kids – Andrew, 9, Braxton, 8, and twins Sarah Ashlee and Harrison, 6 – gave him away. The day after the wedding, the Barker Bunch were back home, grilling steaks and watching movies together. "We wanted this week to be just us together as a family because next week we go on our honeymoon," says Sara. "We just want to relish every moment as a family." Next up for Sara and her children is a move to Birmingham, Alabama, where Jay, 35, works as a sports radio host. Says Jay: "I can't believe we get to spend the rest of our lives together."
Source: www.people.com
Although Sara Evans is still planning her wedding, the country singer is already talking about expanding her family with fiancé Jay Barker. "Jay and I have seven kids together [from previous marriages], and I would definitely love to have another child [with him]," the 37-year-old said. "He's just too cute. I just can't imagine not having a baby with him." (Sara has three children with her ex-husband, Craig Schelske, and Jay has four children.)
But, the former Dancing with the Stars contestant was quick to add that she is not rushing into anything. "We still have plenty of time, and I'm in no hurry because I hate being pregnant." Sara was speaking on CMA Celebrity Close-Up, which will air July 19 and 26 on GAC TV.
Source: www.people.com
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