Top Country Music Stories Of 2011 [VIDEO]

As the year comes to an end I thought I’d take us back to some of the stories that made big headlines in 2011. 

There was a big wedding this year and I’m not talking about the royal wedding, I’m talking about the marriage of Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert last May.  Three media helicopters buzzed over the ceremony as hundreds of family, friends, artists and industry associates gathered in Texas to country music’s newest ‘couple’ get hitched.  The ceremony was exactly what was expected from this down home, humble couple and the reception was filled with a two hour rousing performance from Neal McCoy.  Blake convinced Miranda in to using some of their wedding footage in his hit video "God Gave Me You"

The Indiana State Fair Stage Tragedy.  Not all news was good in 2011.  On August 13, the main stage roof, rigging and lights collapsed on a crowd waiting to see Sugarland at the Indiana State Fair.  7 fans lost their lives because of that horrible tragedy and dozens more were injured.  The fair settled a lawsuit recently but there is still a lawsuit pending naming the promoter and Sugarland in the suit.  Sugarland hosted a free concert in Indianapolis on October 28^th for fans who attended the August 13^th show.

American Idol gave us two young country stars last spring.  Winner Scotty McCreery and runner up Lauren Alaina.  Both released their debut CD’s with McCreery’s being certified gold in just a few short months.

Red Solo Cup Nation.  The video for Toby Keith’s song ‘Red Solo Cup’ logged more than 7 million views since it’s October debut and has become a true pop culture phenomenon.  The song continues to be one of iTunes’ top downloads and was recorded to air on the hit show Glee.  Red Solo cups have been flying off the shelves at stores due to the success of the song leaving the Dixie cup behind collecting dust, lol.

My Kind of Party.  It was Jason Aldean’s year, calling it a breakthrough year would be an understatement.  His Album ‘My Kind of Party’ was the selling CD of the year in country music.