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.

Be sure to stop back each week for the latest Nashville Star update in Stormy Speaks.

Familiar Faces All Over the Place

Do the familiar faces of country music compel fans to spend money? Apparently, they do indeed. If you're a sucker for a country singer, Stormy suggests you keep a close watch on that wallet of yours. Otherwise, you might find yourself planning a vacation or buying a frozen dinner. 

Stormy's sources tell her that the country wonder from Down Under, Keith Urban, otherwise known as Sunday Rose Urban's daddy, is the new face for the Tennessee Department of Tourism's ad campaign. Now, if anything can convince Stormy to partake of some tempting Tennessee travel, it's Daddy Keith. 

Call it a country makeover of sorts, but LeeAnn Womack is the new celebrity face of a just-introduced line of value and health-oriented frozen meals.  Hopefully, country music-loving moms will snatch up seven offerings, including the Enchilada Combo Meal and Chicken Parmesan. I may hate myself in the morning, but Stormy’s going to serve some Salisbury steak tonight. Sounds yummy! 

And if you’re staying in a popular budget-friendly hotel, you might get a wakeup call from Phil Vassar or the members of Little Big Town.  Ditto if you’re stuck on hold trying to make a reservation. Stormy’s ready to book a room right now if she’s to awaken to the sound of Phil’s voice as she tries to lift herself from the fog of her early morning slumber. On second thought, maybe not.
 
This sounds like a “G “with an “O,” “O” with a “D,” “T” with an “I,” “M” with an “E!”  Our little Opry darling Alan Jackson wants our help.  More precisely, 10 lucky fans will get a chance to appear in Alan’s video for his new single, “Country Boy.” Country girls, don’t be discouraged. This means you, too. It’s not going to be easy, and it requires some work. First, create your own video based on the new tune, then post it on YouTube.com. The deadline for entries is noon (CDT) on Oct. 6, 2008. Stormy is going to need a hot guy, a cute car, a grape snow cone . . . well, that’s enough sharing for now.  Stormy’s got to call Bettie Lou ASAP. Where are those Daisy Duke cutoffs? 
 
Speaking of our beloved Opry, perhaps you heard we have a new addition to the family? Weighing in with more than 100 Opry performances to his credit, not to mention a wife and five children, Craig Morgan received his surprise invitation to join the Opry family from his hero and “Rose Colored Glasses” crooner John Conlee at a performance in Ft. Bragg, N.C. In front of a bevy of cute soldiers—this obviously made the occasion even more poignant for this 10-year active military man. It would have been special for Stormy, too, but on an entirely different level. Make plans to join the festivities at the Opry House on Oct. 25 for Craig’s formal induction. He’ll learn the secret handshake and everything. 

Our reigning “newest Opry member,” at least until Oct. 25, Miss Carrie Underwood, kicks off the 51-date fall leg of her tour. Kind of makes her sound like a Rockette, now doesn’t it? Stormy hopes kicking off a leg doesn’t hurt, and Stormy hopes to catch this show on tour. Carrie also kicked off a nation-wide endorsement for Vitamin Water, and tried her hand at horse whispering in a country-themed commercial. Now, Stormy's all about seeing her favorite country stars’ faces on grocery-store shelves, but couldn’t Carrie promote some actual food?? Some carbs perhaps? Carrie’s face on Little Debbie snack cakes…now that would make Stormy’s day.  And while she’s playing sold-out concerts, she’s also playing video games in ads for Nintendo. It’s hard to believe our little American Idol’s debut release was certified 7x-Platinum, making it the best-selling solo female country debut in RIAA history. And she’s a vegetarian.  She’s just a sweet little beautiful, wonderful, perfect All-American Girl.

Stormy is going to call her agent and try to land one of these sweet endorsement deals. Perhaps shoes or maybe handbags? Hmmmm, maybe even a daring lipstick or what about a sweet sports car? It doesn't matter. Can't you just see Stormy pitching Crisco? Sounds like there's a flaky crust in our future! Check back in two weeks for another heapin' helpin' of Stormy!