Big news (and odds and ends), 7/23

Here's a very quick look at what's happening:

Unfortunately, my ancient PC keeps me locked out of Bucky Country most of the time--but it's definitely the place to be today. "Blu" from Bucky Country kindly shared a brand-new and extremely informative press release at Idolforums; here's an excerpt:

Bucky Covington’s calendar is filled with important dates, but two days are circled in red: July 30 and Aug. 25.

The former marks the day America’s newest country sensation makes his triumphant return home to North Carolina to perform before a sold-out crowd in Greensboro. The “American Idol 5” star can’t wait to return to Bucky Country.

“The biggest part of the tour I’m looking forward to by far is North Carolina,” said Covington, who’s joined on the road by his fellow top 10 “Idol” finishers. The lanky blonde took eighth-place as the highest country male vocalist this season on the nation’s No. 1 talent search program.

“There’s just something to be said about North Cackalacky,” the Rockingham, N.C., resident laughed. “I’m getting to see a lot of America. It’s great, but I still love North Carolina the best.”

The latter date on his calendar – Aug. 25 – has an even more special meaning. That’s the day he’s going public with news of fulfilling yet another dream – signing a Nashville recording contract.

For now, he’s playing things close to his vest.

“Recording contract?” Covington jokes, then adds “everything’s going good with that. I’ve definitely got some great things lined up. I’m real happy with it.”

That all-important first album will follow his big news – “hopefully by the first of the year.”

“I think I’ve already found my single,” he said, stopping short of describing it. “The CD will have everything from slow country ballads to driving Southern rock.

“Country with an edge, that’s me.”

Go read the whole thing--I'll be here. (And a big thanks to Blu and Bucky Country!)

Also, a short but encouraging word from Bucky himself, shared by a kind poster at the official boards; he reportedly told a recent concert-goer that he'd be "seen after the tour on CMT", according to this post. (No details or specifics yet, of course--but at the rate news has been coming in, we may not have to wait until the end of the tour to know exactly how soon Bucky's debut will be gracing our CD players...)

This post at Idolforums is one of the most impressive concert recaps we've seen in a long time--the young poster went to the pre-show meet-and-greet in Cleveland, took his performance photos from the second row, and attended the after-party. Tons of great snapshots and merchandise scans for your enjoyment, including the one illustrating this post--credit and many thanks to "Mike/Sciortino11" for a brilliant job.

Bucky and the rest of the Top Ten will visit the White House during their 7/28 Washington D.C. tour stop. (The TMZ article linked above indicates that Katharine McPhee might miss the Oval Office due to her ongoing illness, but word at MJ's Big Blog is that she's feeling better, and could join the tour as soon as the Pittsburgh stop on 7/27. Here's wishing Katharine a continued speedy recovery...)

More later--have a beautiful Sunday!