Stormy Speaks

Stormy Weather is opry.com's exclusive columnist. A veteran, though self-described "young and trendy music industry insider," Stormy takes readers along as she moves gracefully within Nashville’s elite inner circles and shares her own first-hand observations, take-no-prisoners opinions and juicy commentary on the movers and shakers inside Music City's illustrious entertainment industry. Read it from Stormy like you won't read it anywhere else.

Stormy Readies to Rock Around the Christmas Tree  

The holidays are officially upon us, and Stormy just enjoyed the last leftover turkey sandwich. It was absolutely delicious, thanks for asking. A little battered and bruised from Black Friday, and carpal tunnel syndrome soon to set in following Cyber Monday, Stormy finds herself firmly ensconced in all that the most wonderful time of the year brings. Stormy and Bettie Lou just finished addressing invitations to this year’s Ugliest Christmas Sweater Party. While the ink dries, let’s peruse the country music news.  

Can you turn around these days without seeing Taylor Swift? On the American Music Awards, the Grammy Awards Nomination Concert, the cover of CosmoGirl, and at Wal-Mart. Instead of Fearless, perhaps she should have called the new CD Everywhere. Fearless is fast-approaching platinum status. Oh, the Christmas shopping that young lady can do this year! Now we hear that she’s heading out next year on tour with Keith Urban. Here’s hoping little Sunday Rose doesn’t spit up on Taylor because she would surely write a song about it. Taylor, that is, not Sunday.  

Stormy’s sources can’t confirm or deny if Miss Carrie Underwood is dating former Bachelor star Travis Stork, although Stormy did enjoy a recent episode of The Doctors where Dr. Stork and others demonstrated the latest in laser surgery techniques to erase tattoos. Stormy is certainly no Angelina Jolie by any stretch of the imagination, but finally, the remnants of that one hard-to-remember spring break in Destin will be nothing but a memory. Call it an epidermal clean slate if you will, but that’s another story. If these two are playing doctor, Carrie, please give Stormy’s regards to the Travis. There may or may not be a doctor in Carrie’s house, but there is most definitely a king in her midst. Yes, our little American Idol has recorded “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” with Elvis. Martina McBride even appears alongside the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in a video for “Blue Christmas.” Oh, you can bet Stormy has this CD in heavy rotation at the Christmas party. (Just between us, though, the video absolutely creeps Stormy out. She can’t watch it, alone or with friends.) Oh, yes, don’t forget to pick up a copy of the December issue of Elle magazine with Carrie on the cover.  

Of course Bettie Lou insisted we see Four Christmases this past weekend. After seeing Reese Witherspoon at the CMA Awards, B.L. is, shall we say, quite smitten? Not to diminish the fine cinematic contributions of Reese and her costar Vince Vaughn, but Stormy and B.L. were most excited to see Tim McGraw. He was simply adorable, just darling. And Dwight Yoakam tossed in as a little bonus. It’s a holiday must-see; add it to your list. Check it twice.  

Finally got around to reading People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive issue. (Stormy is suddenly obsessed with periodicals.) Blake Shelton, the funniest thing to ever happen to Nashville Star, is representing country music. Has Stormy mentioned she could get lost in those eyes? Blake’s girlfriend, that angst-ridden but cute-as-a-bug Miranda Lambert is representing, too, only she can be seen in Field and Stream magazine’s latest issue where she was crowned Hero of the Year. Now, she doesn’t actually wear a crown because headgear of that type simply isn’t practical in a field or a stream. Congrats to Miranda on this most distinguished honor that one can only ascertain is related to her desire to shoot things. Don’t say you weren’t warned, Blakey. Oh, speaking of People magazine, Julianne Hough used the “m” word in reference to her boyfriend of five months Chuck Wicks. This could be serious!  

Stormy hates to dish and run, but she’s got to decorate for the big party. Not to mention put the finishing touches on what is sure to be this year’s winner in the Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest. Hopefully, Stormy can share some pictures of some of the contestants’ designs if only she can unearth her digital camera. It’s bound to be here somewhere, so please excuse Stormy while she turns the house upside down. Check back in two weeks for the latest news, all just in time for Christmas. Meanwhile, make those lists and check them twice. And if given the choice between naughty and nice, you know what Stormy would do!