Taste of Country

As Taylor Swift's collection of awards grows longer by the day, the country starlet is putting aside the accolades to focus on another list: a Christmas list. Enjoying the chance to ease back into life after her Speak Now Tour, Swift told PEOPLE that she's enjoying feeling like a kid again, making homemade snow globes and trimming the tree with her family.

Dierks Bentley is known as country music's biggest hockey fan -- aside from Carrie Underwood, but that's for a different reason -- and he recently was on hand to witness one of the greatest goals ever caught on video. Unfortunately, Nashville Predators star Shea Weber's tally did nothing to help his team win.

Jerrod Niemann is getting into the Christmas spirit by changing some of the lyrics around for the Mistletoe Mix of his current single, 'One More Drinkin' Song.'

The Lunabelles provide a late submission to holiday playlists this year with their cover of one of the most revered Christmas carols of all time. The now trio's version of 'The Christmas Song' catches one by surprise with a refreshingly modern take on an over-covered classic.

After his arrest for alleged domestic assault, Rodney Atkins said he was left no choice but to file for divorce from his wife of over 13 years. TMZ has obtained the divorce documents, which include Tammy Atkins' counter complaint and what both parties are seeking as part of their separation.

Congratulations to Aaron Watson, who took out reigning champ Wade Bowen in last week's Taste of Country Texas Red Dirt Rumble. Watson's hit single 'Fast Cars Slow Kisses' just barely came out on top, winning 52% of the vote -- but it came out on top, nonetheless. Now, Watson will face a new competitor in Kyle Park, whose song 'Make or Break Me' has been growing major popularity on the Texas charts

Brad Paisley is an esteemed musician, a hilarious comedian (well, we think so) and most recently, a talented writer. The acclaimed 'This Is Country Music' singer added a new line to his resume when he released his first book, 'Diary of a Player,' back in November. Now that the biography is a New York Times Best Seller, you might just want a copy!

Darius Rucker has been delivering hit country singles ever since crossing over into the format. Fans have embraced the singer -- who, before embarking on a country music career, was better known as the frontman of Grammy Award winning pop-rock band Hootie and the Blowfish -- with open arms, due to his honest passion for making music.

Looks like we're going to start the year strong with plenty of great new country music releases in January 2012, following a dry December. But certainly the biggest new release all month -- and maybe all year -- is Tim McGraw's long-awaited 'Emotional Traffic' album.

It's no secret that Taylor Swift is popular among the younger generation, girls especially -- even the singer herself recognizes that she's a role model for millions. In a new interview with USA Today, 'Tattoos on This Town' crooner Jason Aldean tips his hat to the 22-year-old songstress, praising her for the innovative way in which she has expanded country music's audience.