Country Music News 5 18 [AUDIO]

New American Idol champ last night.   She goes by Just Sam.  Sang Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger and paired with judge Lionel Richie on We are the World.

Do we have another Carrie Underwood?  Kellie Pickler.  Kelly Clarkson – Lauren Alaina? We’ll see.  Best to Just Sam

Nascar back yesterday at Darlington.  Or as we call it, a chance for Blake Shelton to razz Luke Bryan.  Blake tweeted:  "I’m so happy NASCAR is coming on.  The stands look like a  Luke Bryan Online concert, but who cares.  Go Clint" in reference to driver. Clint Boyer  Nobody in the stands of course.

Birthdays tend to be a time for celebration, but May 16 arrived heavy for Granger Smith and wife Amber this year. The couple's late son, River, would have turned 4 years old Saturday, and they didn't let the day pass without honoring his memory in a huge way. He's the little boy, who died last June after drowning at the family's home in Texas. The Smiths have kept River's spirit alive through the River Kelly Fund, a means of helping others in need via donations, with their son's name attached. And on Saturday, the family called on fans to contribute in a special way, "either doing 3 acts of kindness today or donating $3 to the River Kelly Fund,"
Our Concert in your car idea, Keith Urban did it Thursday night.  An invite only concert at a drive in just outside of Nashville. On the invite list, 200 doctors nurses, EMTs and staff members from Nashville’s Vanderbilt Health Center. Flash your lights and honk your horn. He did an hour plus show.   Way to go Keith Urban

And Happy Birthday today to George Strait, who is 68. Cake!!!