Taylor Swift is teaming with American Greetings to create a line of greeting cards, gift packaging, stationery, online photo personalization products and online greeting cards. The “cards for your life stories and love stories” line is slated for a spring 2010 launch.

 

A spokesman for the company said Taylor’s abilities as a storyteller and songwriter make her a natural at writing cards for all ages. 

 

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American Idol” third-place finalist Danny Gokey’s new music, “It’s Only,” will be available soon. He signed with 19 Recordings/Sony Music Nashville, where you’ll find former Idols Kellie Pickler and Carrie Underwood. It’s a song with a message of love and faith in a time of need. It was written by Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley. Here’s a link to a second song from his upcoming country album, “Best Days,” due out in December. mjsbigblog.com/danny-gokey-performs-new-song-best-days-ktla-los-angeles-video.htm

 

I’m a Danny fan but, while the messages are positive and moving, I don’t think either showcases his voice to the max.

 

Monday is Adam Lambert day -- the release of his album, which includes “Time for Miracles” from the movie “2012.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkiTOECQsDM&NR=1 His debut single and album title track, “For Your Entertainment,” debuts Sunday night during the “American Music Awards.”

 

Kris Allen’s self-titled album hit stores Nov. 17. If you liked Kris on “Idol,” you’ll like this music. www.krisallenofficial.com/us/music/kris-allen

 

Allison Iraheta, another “Idol” fan favorite, debuts her album, “Just Like You,” on Dec. 1. A funky, rock, pop sound with all kinds of edges; tough voice. In an interview posted on her website, Iraheta talks about the making of the album. www.allisoniraheta.com/us/news/video-interview-allison-iraheta-y-music

 

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Sugarland will be be in D.C. on Dec. 13 for the taping of the “Christmas in Washington” TV special, which airs Dec. 20 on TNT. They will perform for President and Mrs. Obama and guests. Other guests include Mary J. Blige, Neil Diamond, Rob Thomas and Usher, with host George Lopez. 

 

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George Strait has added Lee Ann Womack to his tour with Reba McEntire. The tour kicks off in Baltimore Jan. 22 at 1st Mariner Arena. 

George Strait will kick off his arena tour in Baltimore on Jan. 22 at 1st Mariner Arena. Joining him will be four-time CMA female vocalist of the year Reba McEntire. Strait and McEntire first performed together for a sold-out crowd at the Cowboys’ Stadium inaugural events in Dallas. The tour continues through April. 

 

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Look for Tim McGraw in another upcoming movie, this time starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Reportedly, the film will be shot in Nashville. His current movie, “The Blind Side,” with Sandra Bullock, opens in theaters Nov. 20.

 

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John Rich will serve as parade grand marshal for the 57th annual Nashville Christmas Parade on Dec. 4. Rich and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean will light the Nashville Christmas tree and the parade concludes with fireworks. Rich also recently announced he and his wife are expecting their first child.

 

Billy Currington will be featured as a musical guest in the 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 26. 

 

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Husband/wife duo Joe + Rory are offering their take on holiday traditions with their single “It’s Christmas Time.” A portion of the proceeds from sales of the single will be donated to the Nashville affiliate of Feeding America, The Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. 

 

It’s Christmas Time” was written by Rory during a stay at Joey’s family farmhouse in Indiana. It will be released digitally on Nov. 24. Rory has won songwriting awards for Jimmy Wayne’s “I Will” and Crystal Shawanda’s “You Can Let Go Now.” Other penned hits include “Some Beach” for Blake Shelton and “The Chain of Love” for Clay Walker. When not on the road performing, Joey continues to wait tables and bake breads at Marcy Jo’s Mealhouse, a restaurant she and her sister-in-law own outside Nashville.

 

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Kenny Rogers launches his 28th annual holiday tour on Nov. 27 in Bossier City, La. Touring with him is Rebecca Lynn Howard. The 20-city tour will stop at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center in Shippensburg, Pa., on Dec. 6.

 

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Wynonna kicks off her “A Classic Christmas” tour to the Hershey Theatre in Hershey, Pa., on Nov. 28. 

I missed the final hour of the CMAs last night. I had to watch “Top Chef: Las Vegas” to report on how the Voltaggio brothers are faring in that competition. According to reports from UsMagazine.com, sounds like Taylor Swift’s Entertainer of the Year award is cooking up its own heat today.

 

Speaking about Swift’s top nod, Wynonna tells Us Magazine, “You want my honest comment? It’s too much too soon.” 

 

On the red carpet before the show, Vince Gill told The AP, “Just watching the awards for so many years, I would be surprised if Taylor wins. I know people are probably speculating it’s too early to win.”

 

After winning Entertainer of the Year, Swift said, “I’ll never forget this moment because in this moment everything that I have ever wanted has just happened to me.”

 

I like Taylor Swift .... but her opening number last night certainly added fuel to the fire of those who say she can’t sing. It was bad. Really bad. Not Entertainer of the Year worthy. Darius Rucker’s performance was a little rough, too.

 

What I did see of the show, including great performances by Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn and Brad Paisley, inspired me to write a little ditty with an Old Line State voice:

 

Taylor Swift opened it

Brad and Carrie joked it

Lady Antebellum won it (finally!)

Darius Rucker earned it

Jamey Johnson humbled it

Wynonna and Naomi awarded it

Tim McGraw rocked it (with a Southern voice of course)

Zac Brown Band played it (reallyreallyfast)

Little Jimmy Dickens crashed it

Kellie Pickler dyed it

George Strait twanged it

Jennifer Nettles squawked it

Jamey and Kid dueted it

Kix and Ronnie stomped it

Kenny and Dave -- I missed it

 

Here’s the list of CMA winners:

Single of the Year: “I Run to You,” Lady Antebellum

Song of the Year: “In Color,” Jamey Johnson

Vocal Group of the Year:  Lady Antebellum

New Artist of the Year: Darius Rucker

Album of the Year: “Fearless,” Taylor Swift

Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland

Music Video of the Year: “Love Story,” Taylor Swift

Male Vocalist of the Year: Brad Paisley

Female Vocalist of the Year: Taylor Swift

Entertainer of the Year: Taylor Swift

Musical Event of the Year: Brad Paisley and Keith Urban

Musician of the Year: Mac Macanally