Country Q&A: Week of March 10, 2006

By Neil Haislop

Each week our friend and country music expert, Neil Haislop, tackles your toughest questions. So fire away with questions about your favorite country stars, then stop by each week to see if your question was selected!

Q: I'm happy for the announcement of Kelsi Osborn's pregnancy, but I was wondering if she will ever come back to SHeDAISY?
Mary Lou, Lancaster, Pa.

A: Mary Lou, you don't have to worry about Kelsi leaving SHeDAISY after her twins are born. In fact, Kelsi says, "I'll stay on tour right up until the time the doctor tells me I can't go out any more. I'll be out there until I drop a baby and give birth on stage!" Kelsi was kidding, of course, but said seriously, "I'll work as long as the doctor says I can, but I will miss performing because it's my favorite thing." When Kelsi departs, their little sister, Karli, will step in temporarily to finish out the tour. She sings as good as the others, they assure their fans.

Q: When John Rich left Lonestar to go solo, did he leave on good terms or bad terms? I have never heard any member of Lonestar even mention John Rich, and I have never heard John Rich mention that he was in Lonestar.
Nathan, Cincinnati, Ohio

A: Nathan, when Lonestar's record label and managers convinced the group that there should only be one lead singer (Richie McDonald) to provide a recognizable sound for the group, John Rich was not happy. He could've accepted that and stayed with the group, but decided to leave if he couldn't sing lead on some songs as he had been doing. They're not big enemies, but it did cool the relationship between John and Lonestar.

Q: Is it true that "What Hurts the Most" was originally recorded by Mark Wills?
Megan, Louisville, Ohio

A: That's true, Megan. "What Hurts the Most" (Rascal Flatts' new single) was recorded by Mark Wills and appears as the fifth song on his album titled And the Crowd Goes Wild. Mark only released two songs from that album and didn't get around to releasing "What Hurts the Most."

Q: I've noticed the change in Kenny Chesney's appearance throughout his career. I think he is extremely attractive, but I wondered if he was forced into these changes by the industry or was it all up to him?
Angela, Union Mills, Ind.

A: Angela, it's true that Kenny Chesney wasn't as buff and healthy in the early days. He worked the road a lot, ate the wrong food and couldn't afford a personal trainer. But a few years ago, after he began hitting bigger on the charts and was working even harder on the road, it occurred to him that he needed to take better care of himself, and he could see that "buff" was in. So he changed his diet, got serious about working out with a personal trainer, and the results speak for themselves.

Q: I've heard rumors that Vince Gill is working on a boxed set of all new music, as well as planning on releasing a new CD this summer. Can you tell me if this is true or not? Can we expect two new Vince projects this year?
Mary Anne, Northvale, N.J.

A: Mary Anne, for the last year Vince Gill has been working on multiple record projects—a solo album and a project that includes Vince singing with other artists. That's all his record label is saying at this point. Word is that the first release will be a Vince Gill solo project sometime this year.

Q: Is it true that Jennifer Nettles is going to pursue her own career without Sugarland? I heard it on the news and was shocked 'cause I love Sugarland. Please help me!
Alyssa, Gaylord, Mich.

A: Alyssa, as far as we know, Sugarland will continue as a group with original members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. When founding member Kristen Hall left the group to concentrate on songwriting, and then Jennifer stepped out to do the duet with Bon Jovi, there was speculation that she might quit to pursue a solo career (what she was doing just before she joined Sugarland). For now they have a busy year of touring together and are making plans to record their sophomore album.

Q: I was wondering what Carrie Underwood was thinking when she wrote the song "Jesus Take the Wheel." I love that song.
Felicia, Aurora, Minn.

A: Carrie Underwood didn't write "Jesus Take the Wheel." It was written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey and Gordon Sampson. What she thought when she heard it is that they'd written her song. "With all the good things that have been happening for me (American Idol win, hit country album and hit single), I feel that Jesus has taken the wheel for me," Carrie told me. Carrie and the writers also got the good news recently that "Jesus Take the Wheel" is nominated for both Single and Song of the Year for the 41st Annual ACM Awards.

Q: It has been a while since I heard a "new release" from Julie Roberts. I really love her music. Can we expect any new albums anytime soon?
Sarah, Menasha, Wis.

A: Sarah, your question is timely, since Julie Roberts just recently announced that her sophomore album is done and will be released June 27. It's titled Men & Mascara and the title tune, first single from the album, will be on the radio starting March 27.