AUDIO: Gary Allan reveals his plans for Christmas this year.

Gary Allan (Christmas plans 2012) OC: …be fun. :23
“The last two years, we’ve stayed home. Our holidays always used to always be super hectic, ‘cause I have family in California, so we’d always try to fly out there. They have family out in Utah, and they’d try to fly out there, and we were all just on airplanes all through Thanksgiving and Christmas. About two years ago, we all decided not to go anywhere, and it was kind of a mistake; something just fell through, and it was the best Christmas we had…the last two. So, I think we’re all gonna stay in again, and it’ll be fun.”

In this week’s Urban Chat, Keith Urban gives an American Idol update from the end of Hollywood week! Be sure to tune in January 16th on FOX for the premiere!

A new round of American Idol promos, featuring Keith Urban, as well as the other three judges — Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj — have been revealed. Check out Keith giving a girl advice about “the country music thing,” sitting in the middle of the two spirited females on the panel, as well as falling out of his chair during a particular audition and being inspired by a contestant with a speech impediment. Then check out all of the action when the new season of American Idol premieres January 16th on FOX.

AUDIO: Kacey Musgraves talks about one of her favorite Christmas traditions.

Kacey Musgraves (Christmas puzzle tradition) OC: …a little tradition. :28
“My grandpa has a scavenger hunt puzzle that he does every year. Even though I’m like too old for the puzzle, he’s like, ‘You’re still gonna do it.’ So, every year we do that, and it’s funny ‘cause sometimes you’ll find your present in the bathroom or in a tree or out behind the shed. He does a little trail of like either corn or a string to it. It’s very imaginative, and it’s something I look forward to every year. It’s a little tradition.”

AUDIO: Kacey Musgraves says one of her favorite things at Christmas are the stockings.

Kacey Musgraves (Christmas stockings) OC: …are fun. :07
“Stockings. I love stockings. They’re kinda my favorite, ‘cause it’s like all the little goodies in there just are fun.”

LINER Kacey Musgraves (Christmas)
“Hey! It’s Kacey Musgraves, wishing you a very Merry Christmas.”

Jon Pardi is throwing his “End of the World Party” at Joe’s in Chicago on Friday (December 21st). According to a very popular myth, the Mayans, whose civilization spanned across southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize from 1000 B.C. to 1519 A.D., carved into their calendar the day the world would end, which is December 21st, 2012…hence, the name of Jon Pardi’s “Party.”

“We’ve named this the Year of the Pardi and if the world is really going to end that day, I can’t think of a better place to be than Joe’s on Weed,” Jon says. “The Pardi Animals have been a big part of Year of the Pardi, so of course I want them to be at Joe’s with me before the world ends!”

AUDIO: Jon Pardi explains what would be the last thing he’d like to do if the world ended.

Jon Pardi (last thing he’d do) OC: …my family. :09
“Just keep seeing family. I’m always more realistic. I’d probably just hang out with family and see everybody and make sure everybody’s fine. I gotta see my mom! I don’t ever get to see my family.”

AUDIO: Jon Pardi talks about what he’d want for his last meal.

Jon Pardi (last meal) OC: …Chinese food. :08
“For my last meal, just a good steak. I grew up eating steak all the time, and you just can’t beat that…or some Chinese food.”

Lady Antebellum‘s latest Webisode Wednesday has been taken yet again by crazy Aunt B. But this time she is up to no good with her new friend, Euneeda Biscuit. Check out the cameo by Dierks Bentley.

Little Big Town joined contestant Tate Stevens on Wednesday night’s episode of X-Factor. They performed the group’s No. 1 tune, “Pontoon,” together on the show. “He makes country music proud,” said Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman.

Kelleigh Bannen talks about what Christmas means to her, and how she opens up her heart and truly listens to others, especially during this special time of year.

Also, check out the second video below from AOL’s The Boot. Kelleigh performs a stripped-down version of “Silent Night.”

Gary Allan has released the track list for his upcoming album, Set You Free, hitting stores and online retailers January 22nd. Gary co-wrote five of the 12 songs on the record, including his current Top 10 single, “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).” So, what can fans expect from his new project, his first in nearly three years?

“You can expect a lot of honesty and a lot of songs about life,” says Gary. “It’s gonna roll you through a break-up and roll you through the anger and the healing and wind you up good as new. I think what you can expect is something a little bit different musically out of this, but it’s still got the common thread.”

Expect the California native to perform some of the songs from his new album during his shows in Reno, Nevada on December 30th and Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve (December 31st).

Set You Free Track List:

• “Tough Goodbye” (Josh Thompson / Tony Martin) ***
• “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)” (Gary Allan / Matt Warren / Hillary Lindsey) *
• “Bones” (Keith Gattis) *
• “It Ain’t The Whiskey” (Greg Barnhill / Jim Daddario / Cole Deggs) ***
• “Sand In My Soul” (Brad Warren / Brett Warren / Blair Daily) *
• “You Without Me” (Gary Allan / John Lancaster / Rachel Proctor) *
• “One More Time” (Gary Allan / Matt Warren / Hillary Lindsey) ***
• “Hungover Heart” (Matt Warren / James LeBlanc) **
• “No Worries” (Gary Allan / Odie Blackmon / Pat McLaughlin) **
• “Drop” (Joel Shewmake / Bruce Wallace / Brian White) ***
• “Pieces” (Gary Allan / Odie Blackman / Sarah Buxton) ***
• “Good As New” (Pat McLaughlin / Billy Burnette) **

  * Produced Gary Allan & Greg Droman
  ** Produced by Gary Allan & Mark Wright
  *** Produced by Jay Joyce

AUDIO: Gary Allan explains what you can expect from his new album, Set You Free, which will be released on January 22nd.

Gary Allan (what to expect from new album) OC: …common thread. :14
“You can expect a lot of honesty and a lot of songs about life. It’s gonna roll you through a break-up and roll you through the anger and the healing and wind you up good as new. I think what you can expect is something a little bit different musically out of this, but it’s still got the common thread.”