\'Good Girl\' Underwood

It was a big week for Country music, with a diverse group of artists making strides in the industry. First up is former "American Idol" Carrie Underwood, who plays many parts in her new music video “Good Girl” out now. It's the lead single from her upcoming May album “Blown Away," and it's also our featured song of the week.

Country music also took center stage in Austin, Texas at the South By Southwest Music Festival as Lionel Richie performed at Billboard's annual showcase in support of his upcoming March 26th duets album “Tuskegee.”  The album features 13 of Richie's greatest hits redone as country music duets.  Folks got a look at what's in store on the road from the music icon as he was joined by Kenny Rogers for a performance of “Lady.”  Richie will perform with several of the country artists who recorded duets with him throughout the spring.

Austin, Texas is also the first stop on Shooter Jennings upcoming tour. Jennings is heading out in support of his new country album (his 5th studio album) “Family Man” which he released this week.  The collection features the single “The Deed and the Dollar” which hit iTunes back in December and is the tune behind a personal music video that already premiered featuring home footage of him, his daughter, and his fiancé Drea de Matteo.

Meanwhile, we have more news about the upcoming ACM Awards on April 1st.  The Academy of Country Music continues to expand on its list of performers this year as ACM New Artist of the Year Nominees Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, and Scotty McCreery have now been announced as part of the 2nd Annual Fan Jam. The Fan Jam will be hosted by Zac Brown Band, and takes place in Las Vegas during and after the ACM Awards.  The live concert will remote into the telecast.   Gilbert, Hayes, and McCreery will find out on the ACM Fan Jam stage if they'll go home with the New Artist of the Year title.

From stage to the small-screen we also get a look at Craig Morgan's scripted series debut on Lifetime's “Army Wives.”  The musician and TV host guest stars on March 18th and brings new music from his latest album “This Ole Boy” onto the show.  Morgan also gets a special recognition the night of his debut from his hometown of Dickson, Tenn. as he'll be introduced with the mention that he served 10 years in the US Army and is the recipient of the USO Merit Award. 

Click for the pics and much more in this week's Fox 411 Country Round-up!

Article from FOXNEWS