JOE NICHOLS ENTERS REHAB
A message posted by Joe Nichols' management company on his website late Friday confirmed that the singer has entered a rehab program.

The message states: "As Joe has alluded to in interviews over the past year, he has struggled with the issue of substance abuse. In order to become a healthier person and deal with long standing issues, he has entered into a rehabilitation program for consultation and treatment."

The announcement comes just one month after Joe wed his girlfriend of 12 years, Heather Singleton. "Right now I feel like the happiest man in the world," Joe told People magazine after his September 10 wedding in Savannah , calling his new bride "the love of my life."

BROOKS AND DUNN DISPELL RUMORS
Rumors of Brooks & Dunn breaking up surface every now and then, and just recently the duo talked about doing solo projects, which sparked the flames of speculation again.

According to Ronnie Dunn, doing something solo doesn't mean the end of Brooks & Dunn. "In an effort to just every now and then stir things up we discussed maybe doing solo projects or not, but we have the option," he tells Dial-Global. "And it in no way means that there's any plans to break up Brooks & Dunn. We could do that and still keep Brooks & Dunn together."

Ronnie says he's talked to Randy Owen of Alabama about solo projects, and Randy told him he wishes he'd made a solo album earlier in his career. "Not to break up Alabama , you know," Ronnie points out. "But we talk about it all the time. Individual styles just gravitate to something that we really like and we'll do 10 or 12 songs and throw them out there. It doesn't have to be a big hit; it's just more of a personal, fulfilling mission than anything."

CARRIE UNDERWOOD TO LAUNCH CD IN NEW YORK CITY
Carrie Underwood will perform on Good Morning America's outdoor concert series in Times Square in New York City on October 23, the same day she releases her new CD, Carnival Ride. The album features her current hit, "So Small."

Carrie also launched her debut album, Some Hearts, in New York City during the CMA Awards broadcast at Madison Square Garden in November of 2005.

GARTH BROOKS IS STILL THE ULTIMATE
After 9 years in retirement Garth Brooks has tied his own personal record for selling the highest number of tickets in any city in North America . This was accomplished in 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Tickets went on sale at the Sprint Center, Kansas City Saturday morning, 10:00 AM CT for a single show. That show was originally planned as a thank you concert for Wal-Mart which then turned into a show for the public as well, when AEG offered the Sprint Center . The demand was so great that, as promised, Garth added first one more show, then another and another until obligations prevented him from adding more. Nine shows in total were sold. 

When asked to comment Garth said "For the first time in my life I'm speechless."

"The incredible demand from the most loyal fans in the world made today's sale of tickets for Garth Brooks upcoming concerts at Sprint Center unprecedented," said Brenda Tinnen, General Manager Sprint Center.  "The people of Kansas City , Sprint Center and AEG owe Garth a tremendous debt of gratitude not for only choosing us, but also for extending his engagement to 9 shows."

Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Hits goes on sale November 6th.

KEITH URBAN TURNS BIRTHDAY INTO A GOOD CAUSE
Keith Urban is using his upcoming 40th birthday on October 26 to do some good for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .

Keith is hosting his fourth annual Fan Club Birthday Drive to benefit the hospital in Memphis . He started the fundraising effort for St. Jude in 2004 by asking fans to donate money instead of sending him gifts and cards. Fans can find out more by visiting Keith's website at KeithUrban.net.

The drive is an official St. Jude fundraiser, encouraged by Keith, his team and St. Jude. All money donated will be collected directly by St. Jude. Donations will be taken through October 31 online or by mail. In honor of Keith's 40th birthday, anyone who makes at least a $40 donation will receive a special thank you card.

ALBUM RELEASE DATES
October 2
Merle Haggard - The Bluegrass Sessions
Billy Currington - TBD
Brooks & Dunn - Cowboy Town

October 9
Sara Evans - Greatest Hits
Van Zant - My Kind of Country
LeAnn Rimes - Family

October 23
Carrie Underwood - Carnival Ride
Shooter Jennings - The Wolf

October 30
Phil Vassar - Prayer of a Common Man

November 6
Garth Brooks - The Ultimate Hits
Little Big Town - A Place To Land
Taylor Swift - self-titled (limited, deluxe edition)

Information gathered from CMT and GAC.