Phil Stacey is releasing a new single, "Old Glory" -- just in time for the Fourth of July holiday. The former American Idol finalist wrote the tune while serving active duty in the Navy. He says, "I'm proud to have the chance to record this song ... it means a lot to get to share it with all the country music fans to honor our service members." The song can be heard on country radio over the patriotic weekend. 

Michelle Branch, who turns 25 today has been making record since she was 17 with the full support of her parents. Now that she's a mother herself, she says that she'll back Owen Isabella who is almost three, in anything she wants to do when she grows up. She told us, "Whatever she wants to do, I would hope that I would be supportive. I really joke that I want her to be a pastry chef or something." Actually, a pastry chef in the family would come in handy. Michelle plans on opening up a bakery in Nashville in the near future.

Worlds collide as Taylor Swift teams up with Def Leppard for an installment of CMT Crossroads. For Taylor, singing with the rock band is a dream come true. She says, "I have been screaming the words to Def Leppard songs for years ... so it's amazing that I'm going to get to share a stage with them this year!"

Wynonna's been in the studio recording her first CD of original music in five years. In an interview on her website, Wy reveals that the album will give a nod to some of the female artists who've inspired her -- including Bonnie Raitt. She says, "Unless we stop and pay homage to and respect to those who came before us, the blessings stop. I'm paying tribute to those chicks who rocked before me and paved the way." The as-yet-untitled album should be in stores this fall.

Keith Anderson's mother, Janice, died Monday after a lengthy illness. The family matriarch, best known for her holiday cookie baking, lived in Oklahoma and, despite her illness, attended last year's CMA Awards with Keith aided by a wheelchair. Mrs. Anderson will be buried later this week.

Newcomer Ashton Shepherd has been invited to open for Sugarland on the fall leg of their upcoming tour. In her online blog she writes, "I jumped up and down, telling my husband first ...t hen calling the rest of my family, so excited. I am still excited."

Sugarland is pretty excited about their crowd warmer too: "Ashton's natural talent as a songwriter, a singer, and as a performer is about to come crashing down on country music. We believe she just raised the bar for every new country artist on the planet."

Kenny Chesney has been announced as one of the subjects of MasterCard's Roots of Rock program along with Jon Bon Jovi and Eric Clapton. MasterCard holders who use their cards between now and August 31st will be registered to win an opportunity for four to see where their favorite star got their start, trace their path to success and attend an performance in the artist's hometown in 2009. Kenny says, "Being a part of this contest with two artists I've listened to coming up gives me a way to put a few fans right up at the beginning of my journey." Card holders can also register to win and enjoy a virtual journey of Kenny's rise to fame by logging onto Priceless.com