Encore

Sorry, Blake Shelton and Tim McGraw. The big winners at the 2014 Grammys are going to be women. This may not bother the 'Doin' What She Likes' singer, as his wife Miranda Lambert scored multiple nominations and is always a favorite to take home the hardware. Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson are other country female nominees for the Jan. 26 ceremony.

Earlier this week, Trace Adkins announced a second stint in an alcohol rehabilitation facility. He fell off the wagon during a cruise he was set to headline. It was his first taste of alcohol in over a decade -- since his last stay in rehab in 2002. While the singer seems to be taking full ownership of what happened on that boat, the incident shines a light on something not talked about very often

Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Jake Owen have announced their summer tour plans, and many more will surely follow in the coming weeks. If you’re paying attention, you can learn a little more than just where an artist will be, and they'll be there. Taste of Country’s Billy Dukes explains how you can find out a lot about your favorite artist by looking at the schedule. Read

The struggles of female country stars during the last year have been well-documented, with artists like Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood recognizing the problem. There is no shortage of theories circulating to explain the issue, but Taste of Country's Billy Dukes argues that fans and the media have to take partial responsibility.

There's an art to giving a great interview, and not every country star has mastered it. In fact, most fall somewhere between guarded and nervous when they pick up the phone or agree to talk about their lives and music face-to-face. That holds a singer back, but it's an obstacle that can be overcome, as Brantley Gilbert has proven.

Some country fans may not even realize Garth Brooks isn't on iTunes, but it's true. The country legend is one of the last hold outs to turn his songs over to the digital retailer, or a digital retailer. You'll struggle to find Brooks' music for sale or streaming outside of brick and mortar stores. Should that change?

Jamie Lynn Spears has the song, but her biggest challenges are still in front of her. The singer admits convincing a skeptical country music audience she's sincere will take some diligence. She won't have to look far to find an artist who has faced similar obstacles and flourished ... and one that flopped.