Wednesday news: MyIdol interview, more CRS memories and a CMT Music Awards overview coming up...

By request, Bucky Covington goes electric on stage at Uncle Ron's in Lincoln, Nebraska, 11/28; photo by our talented friend Janie, who shares more great concert shots in her Photobucket gallery. Thanks again, Janie!

Updated to add a link to Bucky's MyIdol video interview at American Idol.com--you asked, he answers. Enjoy, and be sure to rate the video and leave a comment to let him and Idol know how much you enjoyed it! (Bucky's fellow Season 5 country success story Kellie Pickler will be appearing on Idol tonight, by the way. It's always nice to see Idol alums "coming home to visit" after their post-show triumphs. Wonder who'll be next?)


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Many thanks to Buckymouse, who kindly gave us a recap of Bucky Covington's GAC Nights segment. It aired last night as part of their CRS coverage; in the interview, she said, "Bucky talked about the experience of CRS the last couple of years, his relationship with radio people, the New Faces show and how he was aware to expect a less-than-fan reaction. His blank look into the camera to demonstrate how radio people look at the artists was hilarious and dead on!" Sounds like a fun one! No repeats listed, but we're hoping it turns up in the GAC video archives eventually. We'll keep you posted...

(GAC Nights is also airing a Country Radio Seminar: Bridge Bar show on the 25th and the wee hours of the 26th--that looks like one to watch out for, too...)

Here's the rest of what's happening today:

Chart news: We love to see big bullets! "It's Good to Be Us" is holding steady at #14 on the Mediabase weighted chart and #13 on the Top 500, but the growing size of those bullets is a sign of new vistas ahead. Momentum is key! Keep requesting and we'll ride this wave in style...

Bucky Covington on stage at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach last weekend; photo by our friend Buckems, who had a fantastic time at the show. Thanks, Buckems!

Upcoming shows: Bucky's Throttle Wide Open travels are on pause as he and his excellent band make a stop at the Buffalo Bar in St. Joseph, Missouri on Friday, March 21. Get your ticket at Biggins Sports Bar & Grill (816 232-4450) or Buffalo Bar at (816) 390-8444. (We love these smaller-venue shows--nothing beats an up-close and personal concert experience!)

More chances to enjoy an intimate party: on Monday, March 24th, the Danielle Peck & Friends Benefit Concert takes place at The Mercy Lounge in Downtown Nashville on Cannery Row, off 8th Avenue South. Bucky is a "friend", along with Eric Church, Jimmy Wayne, Heidi Newfield, Keith Anderson & Carolyn Dawn Johnson and more. All proceeds for the show benefit the Safe Haven Family Shelter. Tickets are available in advance at www.ticketweb.com for $10. (Tickets will be $13 at the door; VIP tickets are also available at TicketWeb.com)

And on April 9, Bucky and the band hit the Williamson County Pavilion in Marion, IL; tickets ($25) are available at Black Diamond Harley Davidson in Marion, Clayship Guitars in Carbondale and Main Street Records in Mount Vernon.

Bucky's back on the road with Dierks and Luke Bryan on Thursday, March 27th for a concert at the Broome Arena in Binghampton, NY; tickets on sale at Ticketmaster. (Tickets for most of Dierks Bentley's Throttle Wide Open dates are available now at Ticketmaster--check Dierks' official website for details on non-Ticketmaster events. )

By request, here's Bucky Covington performing "A Different World" during the Gainesville Throttle Wide Open concert; video courtesy of the very kind FL Cathy. Thanks for the email!

On the tube and around the net: The Covington Times is graced with a classic "Wave on Wave" photo (I'd love to take credit for that one, but see their comment section for the scoop), Rocky Covington in concert way back in 2006, and a look back at that hilarious and revealing "Mrs. Jones" interview. Midask9 is an amazing photographer, and at It's Good to Be Us this morning you'll find some gorgeous concert shots and some sweet "coming attractions" congratulations, too. And speaking of photography, a stunning photo by Happydays graces Simply a Bucky Fan today; Nikki's request info sidebar is a treasure.

Vote for Bucky: Give "It's Good to Be Us" some momentum building lovin' at GAC's Top 20 Country Countdown, at CMT's Top 20 Countdown and at CMT's Pure Country Pure 12-Pack.

There's lots more about the 2008 CMT Music Awards coming up today. (Yes, I am insanely excited about it all--how can you tell?) For now, just a reminder that the deadline for votes is April 11th, otherwise known as right around the corner. Getting that belt buckle into Bucky's hands depends 100% on us! Register at CMT and vote now---and recruit as many friends, co-workers and neighbors as you can!

More soon--have a wonderful Wednesday!