Taste of Country

Lauren Alaina more than held her own with returning 'American Idol' champion Carrie Underwood, during a duet of the latter's 2006 smash 'Before He Cheats.'

Country legend Tim McGraw joined Scotty McCreery to sing an extremely strong duet version of McGraw's 2004 hit 'Live Like You Were Dying' on 'American Idol''s final episode tonight.

Luke Bryan will take the stage with classic rock band the Doobie Brothers for an episode of 'Crossroads' set to air June 24 at 10PM ET on CMT. The popular series matches country acts with artists from rock and other genres.

After months of rumors following her 'Glee' appearances and her convincing portrayal of a country music singer in 'Country Strong,' as well as performances on the Grammys and on 'Saturday Night Live,' actress Gwyneth Paltrow is no longer in talks to sign with Atlantic Records, despite earlier reports to the contrary...

Even though she was once a contender on 'American Idol' herself, country starlet Kellie Pickler doesn't always have time to keep up with the latest on the series, what with promoting a new single and all. But Taste of Country caught up with the 'Tough' singer this morning, and she dished on whether she thinks Scotty McCreery or Lauren Alaina will take home the crown on tonight's finale.

As of this week, Reba McEntire is officially a part of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The legendary redhead was inducted in an intimate Medallion Ceremony in Nashville on Monday, where she was joined by fellow inductees Bobby Braddock and Jean Shepard, friends, family, peers and Dolly Parton, who officially welcomed her.

Last fall, Scott Reeves -- former member of country duo Blue County, and now playing the role of Dr. Steven Webber on ABC's soap opera 'General Hospital' -- and three of his co-stars hit the road as cover band Port Chuck. Reeves, along with Steve Burton ("Jason Morgan"), Brandon Barash ("Johnny Zacchara") and Bradford Anderson ("Damion Spinelli"), toured select market

Days before he won on the 'Celebrity Apprentice' finale, John Rich was in New York, so he stopped by Fox and Friends. When the interview turned to 'American Idol,' Rich was quick to give his opinion on the show, where two contestants are left standing: Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina.

Burns and Poe's latest single, 'Second Chance,' has only been at radio for a couple of weeks, but it is already making a big impact with listeners across the country. The tune was written by the duo -- Keith Burns and Michelle Poe -- along with Tom Stipe, who is the TV voice and producer of the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide.

Tonight's 'American Idol' finale is going to be explosive, as remaining contestants Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina will give another final performance, and both are scheduled to be joined by country powerhouses onstage at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles.