CMT Insider

CMT Insider's premiere episode includes a chat with the incomparable Dolly Parton about her hosting duties for the CMT 2004 Flame Worthy Video Music Awards; a front row seat to the pandemonium generated from Kenny Chesney's ""Guitars, Tiki Bars and a Whole Lotta Love Tour;"" a conversation with The Alamo stars Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton and Jason Patric; special correspondent Terri Clark reports from Playboy's 50th Anniversary Club Tour stop; and much more.

Get ready for another star-studded, fun-filled episode of CMT Insider. In this episode host Katie Cook will take fans inside Tim McGraw's recent concert in Houston, Texas, and on the set of his upcoming movie Friday Night Lights with Billy Bob Thornton. Cook will also preview nominees for the upcoming CMT 2004 Flame Worthy Video Music Awards hosted by the legendary Dolly Parton Other stories on hand include a look at newcomer Josh Turner's recent success; Martina McBride on Sesame Street; John Michael Montgomery's return to the charts; Jimmy Wayne's appearance in Playgirl; Disney's latest animated hit Home on the Range and its soundtrack featuring McGraw and others; and a tribute concert to the late Waylon Jennings. CMT's Lance Smith will be on hand to run down this week's Hit List.

It's award time in Nashville, and we have your front row seat and backstage pass to the CMT 2004 Flame Worthy Video Music Awards. On this special episode of CMT Insider, host Katie Cook will be backstage at the Gaylord Entertainment Center capturing all the night's excitement and chatting with the big winners, including Johnny Cash Visionary Award receipient Reba McEntire. The fun doesn't stop there, though. We'll bring you highlights of some of the show's hot performances; all your favorite artists on the red carpet, including a fashion report on what everyone was wearing; a look at what it takes to create the Flame Worthy awards; and we'll follow nominee Jake the Dog as he prepares for his award show debut. Don't miss a minute of the fun. And remember, this special episode premieres a day early (Thursday, April 22) so you don't have to wait to get the scoop.

The Flame Worthy awards might be over, but the partying continues. In this episode of CMT Insider host Katie Cook will take viewers inside some recent music row celebrations including Toby Keith's triple platinum party for sales of 3 million for Shock 'N Y'all; Merle Haggard's exciting reception honoring his career and new compilation CD of some of his greatest hits; and Loretta Lynn's album release party for Van Lear Rose, her first release in four years. We'll also bring you highlights from a memorable welcome home party for troops at Fort Hood that included performances by Randy Travis, John Michael Montgomery and many more. The fun doesn't stop there, though. We'll feature new releases from country star Lee Ann Womack, new duo Big & Rich and Canadian singer Carolyn Dawn Johnson; take you to the movies for previews of 13 Going on 30, Envy and Van Helsing; and talk to the stars about the upcoming end to the hit television series Friends.

Country music can be glitz, glamour and a whole lot of fun. Sometimes, however, there are high prices to pay for fame and fortune. This week, host Katie Cook will sit down with singer Jo Dee Messina to discuss her battle with alcohol and what led her to seek help at a Utah rehabilitation center. Messina opens up about how her problem began and what led her to take the steps to find her way back to sobriety. Also on tap for this episode, we'll go on tour with Brooks & Dunn; celebrate Mother's Day with new family group The Jenkins; catch up with new films released at the Nashville Film Festival, including Tim McGraw's big screen debut in Black Cloud; check out a new documentary on Billy Joe Shaver; and visit rehearsals for the upcoming Great Mountain High tour featuring Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley and many others. Oh, and don't forget ... we'll have the results to our Shania Twain ""When You Kiss Me"" poll. You watched. You voted. Now tune in to see which video fans voted their favorite.

Superstar Reba McEntire is at the top of her game. With a hit television sitcom, a new album and her first tour since 2001, fiery red head doesn't seem to be slowing down. CMT Insider recently caught up with the Oklahoma native in Arizona to talk about her life and career, including recent reports regarding negotiations for a new contract for Reba. We'll also give fans a front row seat to her return to the stage. Also on tap for this episode, host Katie Cook will spotlight some new CDs from one of country music's hottest duos, Montgomery Gentry, and country's latest crop of hitmakers -- Gretchen Wilson, Julie Roberts and Big & Rich; take you inside the Country Thunder Festival featuring Trace Adkins, Gary Allan and Cledus T. Judd; give you a sneak peek at Brad Pitt's new movie Troy; and check with CMT's Lance Smith to see what made it on the Hit List.