Gary Allan (Photo: Sara Kauss)For some, the number 13 is unlucky. But for Gary Allan, at least, 13—as in the year 2013—has been nothing short of charmed. It’s been nearly three years since Allan released his last album, and clearly music fans were ready for a new one from him. His latest work, Set You Free, debuted at the top of both the country albums chart and the all-genre Billboard 200 and has been receiving glowing praise from critics.

Allan stopped by Ram Country on Yahoo! Music recently to give us a taste of his stellar new material, as well as sit down and chat about what he's been up to in preparation for this new endeavor.

The new record has a distinctly sunnier tone than his last set—2010’s critically acclaimed but cathartic Get Off On The Pain. Allan—who weathered one of most painful experiences imaginable, the suicide of his wife in 2004--explains that it was a bit of a challenge to create a more optimistic collection.

Faith Hill (Photo: Jon Kopaloff)Faith Hill may be all of 45 years old, but the blond beauty is making waves for something usually reserved for teenagers—namely, braces on her teeth! After proudly flashing her bracketed smile at the Grammys, searches online rocketed for “Faith Hill braces.”

Turns out Hill’s had the braces for some time. They were in full evidence at November’s Country Music Association Awards, and she told reporters she’d had them for about four months at that point. The singer had worn braces as a kid, but, as she explained to radio station KNIX, “"I forgot to wear my retainer--kids, wear your retainer!”

Hill’s cheerfully matter-of-fact attitude about fixing her shifted teeth—and, probably as well, the resulting implication that you’re never too old for self-improvement--charmed many out there. The country superstar is happy she was able to make such a positive statement.

“I've seen your posts and the news coverage on my braces....woah!!” she tweeted on Tuesday, adding, “Wear your braces proudly. Thanks everyone for all of the kind words!”

Eric Church (Photo: Lester Cohen)The nominations for the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards have been announced, and Eric Church is 2013’s lead nominee, with seven nods to his name—including the prestigious album of the year category for his platinum-selling Chief.

Church is also up for male vocalist, single, song (as both writer and performer), video of the year, and vocal event of the year.

He didn’t make the top category of entertainer of the year, however. Competing for the night’s ultimate honor are Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Taylor Swift, and—interestingly—Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, who will compete against each other as spouses.

Taylor Swift may have insinuated during her biting Grammys performance Sunday that she is “never ever getting back together” with her ex, One Direction’s Harry Styles. That doesn’t mean she’s forgotten him, however. Quite the contrary: She’s even dressing like him now.

Swift chose an outfit for the filming of her newest video that mirrors her ex’s fashion sense almost exactly. She nailed every detail of Style’s signature casual look: baggy sweater, tight black jeans, ankle boots….and, of course, the knit beanie on top to cover those fabulous locks. Compare for yourselves!

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Anyone out there hankering for a new Blake Shelton record? The country superstar and Voice coach has one just about ready for you, so sit tight! Shelton revealed Monday on the Today Show that his new set, titled Based On A True Story..., will hit stores March 26.

Shelton also took the opportunity to debut his brand-new video, “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” while hanging with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

True to form, the singer enjoyed some fun bantering with the hosts during his appearance, with a few serious subjects thrown in. When asked how he felt about his remarkably successful 2012, Shelton demurred, “I tend not to think too hard about this stuff--because once I start thinking about stuff, I tend to screw it up!”

He also had high praise for new Voice coaches Shakira and Usher, who replace the departing Christina Aguilera and Cee-Lo. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard they were gonna do it,” Shelton enthused. “I thought there’s no way we could get people like that on the

Charlie WorshamLooking for a new romantic tune for Valentine’s Day coming up next week—as well as a new artist to wow your country-lovin’ honey? This single from Nashville’s Charlie Worsham may just be your box of chocolates.

“Could It Be” marks the first release from Worsham, who landed a spot on Taylor Swift’s 2011 Speak Now tour and has been working his way into buzz status in Music City for some time now.

The debut single details a romantic situation quite a few of us are familiar with—going out for drinks with someone who’s “just a friend,” only to wake up the next morning together and realize…wow, it’s certainly something more than that!

“Who knows, we might go down in flames,” Worsham sings. “But then again, I might just change your name.” Awww! We’re sure some of you out there can relate to this, especially on the most romantic of holidays!

Worsham’s debut full-length album will be coming out later in 2013. In the meantime, you can check to see if he’ll be playing live in your town here.

Rascal Flatts (Photo: CBS)Attention, Rascal Flatts fans who are on the crafty side: You’re not going to want to miss this fun new contest which is being offered in conjunction with the band’s 2013 tour. It’s a big platform for creativity. How’d you like to design the Flatts’ tour production trucks?

Yep, that’s right—artsy fans who are up for the challenge can submit their best ideas, in hopes that they will be able to see their design on the side of the trucks rolling down the highway and parked in amphitheater lots along the band’s tour route.

Winning designers will also receive a cool $1,500 cash prize, as well as a pair of tickets and backstage passes to one of Rascal Flatts’ 2013 shows.

Mindy McCready (Photo: Frederick Breedon IV)More news has emerged regarding troubled country star Mindy McCready’s latest saga, which as of Thursday had her committed to rehab and her children removed from her home. A petition filed by McCready’s father has revealed serious issues in the singer’s life, including alcohol and prescription drug abuse, as well as erratic behavior.

According to a report from E!, who exclusively obtained the file, Tim McCready attested that his daughter had taken to her bed since the death of her boyfriend, David Wilson, last month. “Sleeps all day,” he reported. “Drinks all night and is taking Rx drugs.”

Furthermore, McCready’s dad detailed that his daughter is refusing to bathe, was not taking care of her two young sons, and is acting violently. “Screams about everything,” he recorded. “Trying to hit father. Is not making any sense of any conversations with anyone.”

The elder McCready also noted that Mindy is “very verbally abusive” to her older son, Zander, who is only 6 years old.

The judge in the case responded to this by ordering admission to an inpatient facility for up to three weeks, stating: “There is cause to find there is clear and convincing evidence that Respondent is in imminent danger of harm to herself or others, suicidal or gravely disabled."