10. Dolly Parton vs. Porter WagonerFirst Blow: From 1967 to 1974 they were singing partners, and though Porter claimed they had been more, Dolly disagreed. When the partnership ended, Dolly wrote 'I Will Always Love You' for him. But there wasn't much love in 1979, when Porter filed a $3 million breach of contract suit against her.
Final Round: The two made up. In 1988, they performed together on Dolly's TV variety show. And she was at Porter's bedside when he died in 2007.
9. Carrie Underwood vs. Jessica SimpsonFirst Blow: This battle of blonds began over a Cowboy. Carrie was linked to Dallas QB Tony Romo, but said only that they were "kindred spirits." Carrie's revelation that the "spirits" stayed in touch post-huddle didn't jive with Jessica while she and Romo were dating. "I don't understand why she would say that," Jessica said.
Final Round: Jessica declared the supposed feud "media-driven" and praised Carrie, telling The Boot she was impressed by her "incredible voice." Jess and Tony broke up in July.
8. Alan Jackson & George Jones vs. CMA AwardsFirst Blow: Nominated for 1999's CMA Single of the Year for 'Choices,' George should have been celebrating, but when the CMA said he could only perform a snippet of the tune, he stayed home.
Final Round: Watching the show, George heard his buddy Alan interrupt his own song to croon a few lines from 'Choices.' Alan, inspired to act after visiting George following a near-fatal car wreck, earned a standing ovation. And George shed a few happy tears.
7. Brad Paisley vs. Richard MarxFirst Blow: In 2001, Brad noted that while pop music is about production, country music is about songs. One of pop's top tunesmiths took exception. "Pop songwriters don't take the craft of songwriting as seriously as [Brad] does?" Richard said. "Tell that to Paul McCartney." Brad stood his ground, asserting, "You can't convince me that a song like '... Baby One More Time' is something you'd sit there and say 'What a message -- what lyrics!'"
Final Round: The former rivals have spent time together -- on the country charts. Brad keeps cranking out hits, and Richard co-wrote tunes for Keith Urban and SHeDAISY.
6. Tim McGraw vs. Curb RecordsFirst Blow: A third best-of set would be a thrill for most artists, but not Tim McGraw. While the singer was working on new songs, Curb announced 'Greatest Hits 3.' "I am saddened and disappointed that my label chose to put out another hits album instead of new music," he said in a statement. A Curb exec disagreed, saying he had "numerous conversations" with Tim's reps about "all aspects" of the package.
Final Round: While nothing's official, Tim's 'Southern Voice' CD, out Oct. 20, could be his last for Curb, and the star may form his own record company.
5. LeAnn Rimes vs. Wilbur RimesFirst Blow: Talk about daddy issues! In 2000, LeAnn filed a lawsuit against her father, claiming he and her manager manipulated the singer and took more than $7 million of her earnings. Wilbur counter-sued, calling his kid "a spoiled brat."
Final Round: In 2001, LeAnn hosted the ACM Awards sporting a t-shirt reading "Daddy," and sang, "Tonight I won't bother to think of my father." That same night, she met future (ex-?) husband, Dean Sheremet. By the time the couple married in February 2002, father and daughter had reconciled. Wilbur walked LeAnn down the aisle and the suits were settled.
4. John Rich vs. Jared AshleyFirst Blow: In this case, it was a literal first blow following an alleged threat. On stage at a Nashville nightclub, Jared was confronted by John. The former 'Nashville Star' claimed he'd been punched in the face at John's club, after which John was arrested for assault. Mix in nasty voicemail, lawsuits and alleged break-ins and it's a volatile cocktail -- plus the makings of a damn good country song!
Final Round: And it ain't over yet: John Rich is scheduled to stand trial in October on assault and harassment charges.
3. Kristen Hall vs. SugarlandFirst Blow: Three became two when Kristen left Sugarland in 2006 to concentrate on songwriting.The duo that remained went on became of the biggest acts in country music. She filed a $1.5 million suit against her former partners, Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, claiming she was promised a share of the group's future earnings.
Final Round: Although the lawsuit is still pending, Jennifer and Kristian had cause to celebrate anyway -- shortly after it was filed, the duo were nominated for CMA Entertainer of the Year.
2. Travis Tritt vs. Billy Ray Cyrus First Blow: 'Achy Breaky Heart' was wildly successful ... and the subject of much derision. Asked for his opinion, Travis called the song "frivolous" and said he didn't want to see country music turned into an "ass-wiggling contest." Billy Ray fired back (using Tritt's own lyrics!) at the 1993 CMA Awards. Accepting Single of the Year, he raised the trophy and declared: "To those who don't appreciate it for what it is, 'Here's a Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares'."
Final Round: Travis apologized to Billy Ray and even sent him a peace lily. In 2002, they performed together at the memorial for Waylon Jennings.
1. Dixie Chicks vs. Toby Keith First Blow: Asked about Toby Keith's post-Sept. 11 anthem, 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),' Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines said, "It's ignorant, and it makes country music sound ignorant." Toby labeled Natalie "a lousy songwriter" and toured with a backdrop depicting her consorting with Saddam Hussein. She then wore a T-shirt bearing the not-so-subtle message "FUTK."
Final Round: In 2008, Al Gore invited the two to "make nice" by appearing together in PSAs for climate change. They agreed, but the plan was scrapped soon after, with both sides claiming scheduling conflicts.






Reader Comments(1 of 22)
Williamat 8-22-2009
Dixie Chicks are skanks and anti-americans,they know as much about country music as Joe Biden knows about being smart.
Carolat 8-22-2009
YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!!!!
lucky21741at 8-22-2009
The Dixie chicks suck the big one
arclight45at 8-22-2009
You hit the nail on the head
a1palermoat 8-22-2009
That makes so much sense. Patriotism is all about confusing who our actual enemies are and characterizing the US to all potential allies as ignorant and heartless. Toby Keith was really thinking! He knows so much about being smart. He should be the vice president because knowing about "being smart" is half the battle toward actually being intelligent.
mrkoeat 8-22-2009
Natalie Maines rocks and the Dixie Chicks are some of the best country / pop ever...... Toby on the other hand, started tired and still is tired and can't sing.
tfamily16at 8-22-2009
Dixie Chicks are unamerican,ignorant feminazis!
Welcome Bubbles!at 8-22-2009
Amen to that!
lgvalliereat 8-22-2009
It's amazing how many ignorant rednecks there are in this country! A product of NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND no doubt. You people make George Bush look smart.
Sarah A. Greenat 8-22-2009
The Dixie chicks totally suck. I didn't like them when they first came out and I like then even less now after the crap they have said.
jhgreeneyes5519at 8-22-2009
absolutely right william, couldn't agree more. I love that toby k. song too.
Billat 8-22-2009
im against the war, and i have questions about 911. all you republican neo-cons hide behind the flag and question my patriotism. kiss my ass toby
Jesseat 8-22-2009
Just a reply to "Bill", now that you are done trying to make yourself out to be intelligent, I would like to fill you in on a little bit of politics that you need to look into. 9-11 has been in the works since Clinton. Read about it, champ, or are the only politics you are paying attention to are the ones that Michael Moore are putting out?
ag4jazzat 8-22-2009
Before criticizing Joe Biden and his intelligence maybe you should read about Joe and what he thinks...If it wasn't for Joe, obama would have never been elected...and he is a lot smarter than obama...that's why he was chosen and Joe is a hell of a lot smarter honest and trustworthy than the bushs or chaney
rubee75at 8-22-2009
Skank, what a great word, you must really have been in the top of your class. This country is founded on the freedom of speach. It is small minded people like you that we do not need to hear from, period.......