Sugarland is distancing themselves from their own lawyer's statement that blamed the fans the deaths and injuries at last summer's Indiana State Fair. Indianapolis' WISH TV says the band's manager Gail Gellman has issued another statement, explaining that it's not unusual for people to "want to point fingers" and "try to sensationalize" a tragedy. But Gellman adds, "The single most important thing to Sugarland are their fans. Their support and love over the past nine years has been unmatched. For anyone to think otherwise is completely devastating to them." Sugarland's lawyers were attempting to defend the duo, saying in their statement that many parties were responsible, including some fans who "failed to exercise due care for their own safety." In a deposition, State Fair Commission Executive Director Cindy Hoye claimed she asked the duo twice to postpone their show, and each time Sugarland refused. Sugarland's touring manager Helen Rollins has denied Hoye's allegations. Read More

Casey James may not have come out on top during his stint on "American Idol," but the third-place finisher from season nine says he still learned a lot from the experience. In addition to the doors opened by "Idol," James says he discovered there was "another world" out there that's linked to music, but has nothing to do with the musical side of things. He adds that the show helped him realize the importance of building an infrastructure to handle everything from interviews and TV spots to all the paperwork that comes with the job. In the meantime, however, Casey hasn't forgotten about making new music. His self-titled debut album is due out March 20th, while the set's lead single "Let's Don't Call It a Night" is available now. Read More

Martina McBride is crediting the recent behind-the-scenes changes to her career for keeping her in the music business. She explains that the enthusiasm she encountered when she signed with a new label and management team helped her realize she still had more to contribute. Martina admits that prior to the switch she could tell the support from her now-former team was waning, and it had her questioning her vitality in the music business. But in late 2010 she left RCA Nashville, which had been her label since she launched her recording career in 1991, and inked a deal with Republic Nashville. She released her first album with her new label last fall. "Eleven" features the hits "Teenage Daughters" and "I'm Gonna Love You Through It." Martina has spent the past month supporting the album on tour with George Strait. They'll wrap up their collaborative trek this weekend. They'll be in Des Moines, Iowa on Friday and play the tour's finale in Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday. Read More

Kix Brooks is ready with his first post-Brooks & Dunn track. The single "New To This Town" features the Eagles' Joe Walsh. The singer, who co-wrote the song, says it "paints the powerful emotion we've all known, of lost love and the uncomfortable situation of running in to that person again." He also praises Joe's contribution to the track, adding that "after a couple phone calls, and the sending of a music file across the internet, the man himself put his stamp on 'New To This Town' like only Joe Walsh could!" Brooks' "New To This Town" is expected to hit radio on March 19th. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn brought their 20-year collaboration to a close in 2010. Dunn launched his solo career with last year's release of his self-titled album, which arrived in June. The project includes the hits "Bleed Red" and "Cost of Livin'" along with Ronnie's current single, "Let The Cowboy Rock." Brooks has stayed busy with his syndicated radio show. He also took on an acting role in the upcoming movie "Thriftstore Cowboy." No release date has been set yet for the film, which will mark Kix's feature film acting debut. Read More

Jason Aldean is enjoying his new piece of property. The singer says he recently purchased a spread just outside Nashville. Aldean says he and his family spent the holidays out at the farm, and he often goes out there to "check out and ride around." Jason adds that it's a great place to host parties, because "everybody can stay out there" once the celebrating has come to an end. However, he admits sleeping arrangements would be a little tight for a really large gathering, since the cabin has bunk beds that can "sleep 18 people." Jason hasn't had a lot of time at home since launching the 2012 edition of his "My Kinda Party" tour last month. But he'll be performing in Nashville on Friday, a night after he entertains fans in Huntsville, Alabama. Read More