Darius Rucker performs at USC game (Photo: Collegiate Images)It's a no-brainer that Darius Rucker is a music fan, being a musician himself. However, the Hootie & the Blowfish frontman turned country solo sensation has one other deep love: football! Rucker--a big sports buff in general--is a dedicated alum of the University of South Carolina, and is such a fan of the school's Gamecocks that he was asked "Are you game, Gamecock?" when invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in October.

"There's two times of year for me: Football season, and waiting for football season," smiles Rucker. In this exclusive clip shot for Ram Country, the singer goes back to college and tailgates like it's 1984 with a bevy of Gamecocks young and old--as well as performs several songs for the crowd.

Keith Urban (Photo: Jason Kempin)Need a laugh to get over the Wednesday "hump"? Country sensation and American Idol judge Keith Urban has that for you, along with the welcome announcement of his 2013 North American tour dates. Instead of merely issuing a press release or anything boring like that, Urban and his tourmates--Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch--have a special video serenade for fans that's sure to get a few smiles.

The video starts out with "Holiday Road" playing from the classic comedy National Lampoon's Vacation, and then shows Urban, Lynch, and LBT packing into a car, with the premise they'll be driving to each tour stop. That's when the craziness begins. To amuse themselves during the drive, the musicians burst into renditions of a truly staggering variety of tunes.

Some of the artists covered? Poison, Bon Jovi, Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Culture Club, Snoop and Dr. Dre...oh yeah, and that most famous singalong by Queen (I'm sure you know which one I mean). It must simply be seen--er, heard--to be believed, and if you aren't laughing by the end, you have to be in one foul mood!

Faith Hill/FacebookIn the wake of the 2012 Presidential election--and while celebrating Veterans' Day shortly after--it's hard to find a more appropriate video to commemorate patriotism than Faith Hill's brand-new clip for the single "American Heart."

The video, which is Hill's first in nearly 5 years, goes for a straight-up positive message right from the get-go. The introduction features children of all different ethnic backgrounds, discussing what they love about our great country. "We're different on the outside," notes one little boy, only to be answered "But the same on the inside" from a little girl. Amen to that.

Hill herself puts on a star-spangled display in a tux and top hat, dancing with the adorable 10-year-old T.J. Jones--keep an eye out for this kid; he seems destined for sure stardom himself. The message of American strength and unity is anchored by a dazzling heart backdrop created from red, white, and blue lights.

Her new album--and her lipstick!--may be titled Red, but when it comes to dressing for awards shows, Taylor Swift favors a much more neutral palette. Namely, glowing champagne gold. The 22-year-old is a seasoned veteran to getting all dressed up by now, so it's safe to say she knows what she likes...and isn't afraid to wear it, again and again.

Proof positive: Here's a few of her similarly shimmery looks sported over 2011 and 2012. Which one do you like best?

Our favorite of the bunch is the gown Swift rocked at MTV's 2012 European Music Awards on Sunday. The combination of geometric beading, cutouts, and form-fitting tailoring made for a modern, subtly sexy, and stunning presentation--which apparently brought Swift luck, as she took three of the five awards she was nominated for. Her makeup looks awesome, as well!

Swift at the 2012 EMAs (Photo: Mike Marsland)

Miranda Lambert (Photo: Frederick Breedon)Miranda Lambert turns 29 years old on November 10--and fans of the singer and her fellow star husband Blake Shelton are doubtless wondering what the reigning king and queen of country are doing to celebrate her special day.

Lambert tweeted on Friday that she was relaxing at home in Oklahoma with "mama making cupcakes," but there's no word about any special presents from the main man in her life.

Shelton probably is still busy figuring out what to get Lambert--because this girl has unusual tastes! When asked what's on her wish list while at a taping for a TV special hosted by her hubby, Lambert admitted to Yahoo! Music, "I told [Blake] I wanted a llama and an alpaca."

Kenny Chesney (Photo: Katherine Bomboy-Thornton)For those of you whose ears are still ringing from Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw's blockbuster Brothers of the Sun tour this summer--buckle your seatbelts for another ride. Chesney has just announced his next mega-tour, which will take him to 17 stadiums (and beyond) starting in early Spring 2013.

The tour, titled No Shoes Nation, was announced by Chesney on Thursday via his web station No Shoes Radio. It kicks off March 16 in Tampa, and he'll be joined on the road by special guests Eric Church, the Eli Young Band, and Kacey Musgraves. A few select dates will feature the Zac Brown Band in place of Church.

The Civil Wars (Photo: C Flanigan)Two-time Grammy-winning duo the Civil Wars threw a bomb onto their fans Tuesday when, instead of chattering about Election Day like much of the rest of social media, they abruptly announced the cancellation of all their upcoming tour dates.

Is the pair breaking up for good? Luckily, that doesn't seem to be the exact case. In a statement on their website, Joy Williams and John Paul White noted that they hope to deliver new music next year.

"We sincerely apologize for the canceling of all of our tour dates. It is something we deeply regret," the statement reads. "However, due to internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition we are unable to continue as a touring entity at this time. We thank each and every one of you for your amazing love & support. Our sincere hope is to have new music for you in 2013."

Remember what it felt like to vote in your first presidential election? Given all the excitement and narrow margins of this year's run, it's certain one young country star will remember his first time. Can you guess who?

If you guessed American Idol alum Scotty McCreery, you're right. McCreery clearly was excited to participate, proudly posting an Election Day Instagram shot of the "I Voted" sticker on his sweatshirt. "Yall make sure you get out there and vote! #USA #ivoted," he tweeted.

Scotty McCreery/Instagram

McCreery turned 19 in October, making this the first presidential run he's eligible to officially weigh in on. Congratulations on your first time, Scotty!