Friends, family, industry well-wishers and Major League Baseball player Barry Bonds gathered in BMI’s Music Row lobby Friday, March 13 to help Blake Shelton celebrate his fifth chart-topper “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” from his current CD Startin’ Fires and his second consecutive No. 1 following his smash hit “Home.” BMI songwriters Cory Batten and Jennifer Adan, co-writers of “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” celebrate their first No. 1 single. (Bonds was in attendance via invitation from family friend Adan.)

Pictured are (l-r): BMI’s Jody Williams, Bonds, Shelton, Adan, songwriter/mentor Jeffrey Steele, Batten and country superstar Steve Wariner.

Warner Bros. Records Nashville Artist Blake Shelton recently paid a visit to The "Chelsea Lately" Show on E! Entertainment Television and quickly gained a fan in the show's host, Chelsea Handler. While in LA, Blake also visited "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and performed his No. 1 hit, "She Wouldn't Be Gone."

Pictured (l-r): Chelsea Handler; Blake Shelton

While in New York, Blake Shelton stopped by to visit the lovely ladies of People Magazine. He promised to give them the exclusive shots of his visit in exchange for them posting an interview with him on their site. I think Blake got the better end of the deal. Click on http://www.people.com/people/videos/0,,20219943,00.html to watch Blake give his opinions on cocktails, ringtones and Miranda Lambert.

Warner Bros. Records Artist James Otto is set to announce the nominations for the 2008 CMA Awards, live from Nashville on Sept. 10, in a special edition of CMT's "CMT Insider." James will make the announcement with Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum. Flatts and Swift will make a portion of the announcements on "Good Morning America" prior to additional nominees being announced by Otto and Lady Antebellum on "CMT Insider."

"This is Country Music's Biggest Night -- what an honor to be asked to participate in announcing the CMA Award nominations," says Otto. "I don't think there is a Country artist out there, including myself, who hasn't dreamed of winning a CMA Award. To be asked to announce the nominee's names that morning with Lady Antebellum is a moment I will always remember."

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" will be broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on ABC.

Nashville Star winner Melissa Lawson stopped by her new label home, Warner Bros. Records Nashville, after her win on Tuesday. She met her new bunny family and talked about wardrobe for her apperance on NBC's Today Show, airing live from Beijing on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

This motley crew is non other than the kick a*s WBR promo staff! In less than 12 months they have had three #1 songs on the country charts. This fiesta is in celebration of Blake Shelton's "Home" topping the charts. Blake was on the road but he sent over a few bottles of Dom to help kick the party of in style.

Pictured (L to R - Back Row): Kelli Cashiola (mktg director), Brandon Blackstock (manager), Bill Bennett (Exec. VP), Scott Hendricks (SVP A&R), Nancy Tunick (VP of Promo), Kristen Williams (Promo). Front Row: Danielle Taylor (Promo) and April Johnson (Promo).

Do NOT miss Whitney on GAC this Thursday, June 26 (Ch. 327 on DirecTV). This lovely songstress' first single, "When I Said I Would" is about finding yourself in a relationship and wanting to take back all your "I Love You’s." To learn more about Miss Duncan please visit www.whitneyduncan.com.

Warner Bros. Records Artist James Otto hung out with fellow Warner Bros. Records artist and legendary entertainer Randy Travis backstage last night at the 2008 CMA Music Festival. Both Otto and Travis performed on the main stage at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn. on the last night of the four-day festival.

James Otto rocked it out at the 2008 CMA Music Festival over the last four days and he is giving his fans a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on USAToday.com. James' video diary includes a look at his participation in the Rhapsody Rocks Event, CMA Kick-Off Parade, Block Party, City Of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge, signings and his performance on the main stage on Sunday night. In addition, everyone came together during the four-day festival to celebrate his first No. 1 single, "Just Got Started Lovin' You" (photo attached). Check out James' video diary at http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/backstage-pass.htm.

Warner Bros. Records Artist Blake Shelton lounged by the Wet Republic Ultra Pool at the MGM Grand with GAC's Nan Kelley, while taping an episode of GAC's "Top 20 Country Countdown" yesterday. Blake was in Las Vegas for the "43rd Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards." The episode will air this Friday, May 23 at 8:00 PM/ET. Blake's video for his single, "Home," is currently No. 2 on GAC's Top 20.