Jessica Simpson is reportedly in talks with CMT to star in a new reality show. According to Entertainment Weekly, the starlet is mulling over an offer for an unscripted series, showcasing her new venture into country music.

"With 'Newlyweds,' she let everyone into her world," Simpson's father, Joe Simpson, told EW. "Then she she had to shut the world out. Now she can open it up again so people can see, here's a girl struggling with self-esteem and finding her way. Country music is about story-telling, after all."

Simpson is currently recording her country debut in Nashville. It will include a duet with Dolly Parton and a collaboration with Willie Nelson and Charley Pride. The first single is expected in April or May.

Simpson already has acting credits in a country music video. She makes a funny cameo in Willie Nelson's 'You Don't Think I'm Funny Anymore,' alongside Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson and Woody Harrelson. Watch the video premiere here.

Country superstar Keith Urban has had a lot to celebrate in 2007: reaching platinum sales on his fourth solo album, selling out a world tour, his 40th birthday, his one-year wedding anniversary with actress Nicole Kidman and reaching the milestone of one year of sobriety. To wrap up his remarkable year, Urban is releasing a collection of some of his best-loved hits in a compilation, called 'Greatest Hits: 18 Kids.' We caught up with the singer before a concert soundcheck in Grand Rapids, Mich., to talk about everything from marriage to paparazzi to turning the big 4-0.


How did you come up with the subtitle of the album, '18 Kids'?

I get asked a lot, "What are my favorite songs?" And I always say they're all like my children, so I don't really have a favorite. And some of them aren't mine -- there are some "adopted" songs, if you will. I think the analogy is interesting, because they are created, and then they morph and grow. We're doing songs now on the tour that are eight years old, from the first album. And some of them don't sound a whole lot like they did originally -- they've evolved.

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In the past eight years of his remarkable career, Keith Urban has raised a lot of kids. And by 'kids,' the country star means the hit songs that have put him at the top of the charts, earning him numerous accolades from Grammys to CMA Awards. Urban chose the best-loved offspring from his four platinum-selling solo albums for a new CD released Tuesday, titled 'Greatest Hits: 18 Kids.'

"I get asked a lot, what are my favorite songs? And I always say they're all like my children, so I don't really have a favorite," Urban tells AOL Music of his decision to subtitle the album '18 Kids.' "They've all been created out of nowhere ... and then they morph, grow and evolve."

The compilation includes 16 of Urban's biggest hits, from 1999's 'Your Everything' to this year's 'Everybody.' Two new tracks on the album include a cover of Steve Forbert's 'Romeo's Tune,' and a new version of his self-penned hit, 'Got It Right This Time,' a song undoubtedly about his wife, Nicole Kidman.

We haven't heard a lot from country superstar Trisha Yearwood in the past two years, and with good reason. First and foremost, she's been enjoying the quiet life in Oklahoma with best-friend-turned-husband Garth Brooks and his three young daughters. Second, she's left longtime label MCA for the smaller, independent Big Machine Records. The product of her newfound families is 'Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love,' the multiple Grammy winner's 12th studio album. We sat down with Yearwood to talk about how this new project shows a different side of the angelic-voiced singer. Plus, she speaks candidly about her new role as a stepmom, living just a stone's throw from Brooks' ex-wife.

If you had to describe the new album in three words, what would they be?

Energy, energy, energy! [laughs] I'm sort of known for ballads -- those are my bread and butter. But there were just so many cool, uptempo songs that showed up for this record. And some of it was the enthusiasm that transferred into the studio. A lot of that came from changing things up, signing with a new label -- there's a lot of energy there. It just seems like this record was meant to be. So maybe those are my three words: "meant to be." Because when I listen back now, I hear how much fun I was having during the process.

We hear that for the first time, you didn't blow out a microphone recording this album.

I haven't actually torn them up. [laughs] But you can sing at a level that will distort. And when a microphone distorts in the studio, they put what's called compression on it, which is a machine that takes your voice and kinda takes the meat out of it, so that it will sound pretty on tape. But that takes all the guts out of it! And it doesn't sound as rich and full and big. And I was tired of compensating -- I didn't want compression on my voice. So on the big notes, I would back off from the microphone or not sing the big notes quite as loud. And one of the comments my husband made before I went into the studio was "I wish you'd go in there and just let the horses run." So I needed to find a microphone that I can't hurt! [laughs] So we spent a lot of time singing into different mics and finally found one that works. And it belongs to a friend of mine, so I'm gonna have to see if he'll sell it to me.

Is there one song on the album you're particularly proud of?

Well, I could go through the whole album and tell you why I love each one, because I think it's my favorite collection of songs that I've ever done. My sentimental favorite, though, is the last cut, 'Sing You Back to Me,' because it immediately made me think of my father. This is the first record I've made since he passed away. We were very close, and when I heard that song, I thought, "This is for my dad." And I wasn't looking for a song to dedicate to my father, but when I heard this song, I thought, "Wow, I really want to sing this ... even if it's just for me to have myself." So we went in after the record was done with just an acoustic guitar and did a performance of this song just for me to have, to give to my mom and my sister. And my producer, Garth Fundis, said, "It's emotional and it's real, and you need to put it on the record."

Next: Trisha Talks Big Moments and Big Hair

As an artist who has gone gold or platinum with every album you've released in 17 years, what would you say is the secret to longevity in the country music business?

I really don't know [laughs]! But if there's something that's been a constant through my career, it's being true to myself. If you just make the goal to sell records and get played on the radio, then you're chasing something. But if you just try really hard to be who you are as an artist, then those fans who found you at the beginning of your career -- they love you for the music that you make. And if you continue to be true to yourself and be a true artist, then those fans will stay with you. And maybe you'll gain some new fans along the way, too. But if you try to chase what you think is going to make you successful, that's when you get in trouble.

Who's a new artist today who you think has a shot at longevity?

The first name that popped into my head is Josh Turner. I just sang on his record for that reason. I'm kind of cynical -- there's not a whole lot of stuff I really like [laughs]. Most of what I like is older music. And I have liked him since I heard his very first single, 'Long Black Train.' He just has a classic country voice. He's the real deal. He seems to be making music that is who he really is. So I would not be surprised if he is having this conversation in 15 years.

How would you say you've evolved as an artist since your first single, 'He's in Love With the Boy,' was released back in 1991?

Well, my hair has gotten smaller [laughs]! When I listen to that first album, the great news is that I don't listen to it and go, "Ugh! I'm so embarrassed that I made that record." I'm really proud. Because even 'She's in Love With the Boy' is a great story song. It's not a song where I go, "Well, this is something I recorded when I was really young and didn't know any better." It stands the test of time. I think the biggest difference is my voice now and how it's matured. I like the sound of my voice right now better than ever. And I'm sure there's a point in life where it starts to go the other way [laughs]. But at this point, I like the maturity. I like that when I listen to the music I made at 26 years old, I can tell that I'm young and green. And when I hear my voice now, I hear the season in it. I also trust my voice more and more. When I made that first album, I wanted it to be perfect. I was so worried about every pitch being perfect, and you can sometimes lose a great performance that way. And my producer said to me, "You've gotta just sing! God gave you the gift, so don't overthink it. Trust it." And the more I've done that over the years, the better I think the songs are, because you get more realness. The song we talked about earlier, 'Sing You Back to Me,' is a prime example. It was the first take, and I was very emotional. I was getting really choked up, and I can hear it in the vocals. And normally, I would've gone in and fixed something like that, because it's not perfect. But I've learned that emotion is what makes the performance what it is.

Looking back at your career, what has been the highlight so far?

I couldn't say just one thing, but what pops into mind are becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1999, getting to sing at the Olympics in Georgia -- that's where I'm from, so it was huge for me ... and things that were never really on the list. I knew I wanted to be a singer. I knew I wanted to be on the radio. But things like getting to sing with Pavarotti, I never dreamed I would have that opportunity. So when it's all said and done, when I look back, what I'll reflect on the most are the people I've met and the people I've had a chance to sing with and the friends I've made along the way. It's been pretty cool to do what you truly love to do and get paid for it. A lot of people have to take jobs because they have to, and they give up whatever that dream was they had. So I feel lucky never having to give up my dream.

Next: Trisha Talks Life As Mrs. Garth Brooks

With the nine live shows that you and Garth are performing in Kansas City this month, does being back onstage with your husband give you the itch to tour together again?

Oh ... I don't know [laughs]! It's really exciting, but it's a different kind of a show for me than what I normally do. For me, the reward from this kind of show is getting to sing in front of these crazy, screaming fans and getting to be with him, seeing him enjoy himself. My favorite kind of shows are still those small theaters, where I can be onstage and do a variety of songs from my albums. But this kind of show, you go out there and do mostly uptempo songs, hit 'em hard and then go home [laughs]! But I definitely enjoy being on tour with him.

You're coming up on your second wedding anniversary, but the way you two talk about each other, you'd think you're newlyweds! Do you have a secret for keeping the spark alive?

Well, we've been friends for such a long time. We've known each other almost 20 years now. So our love is based on a really great foundation of friendship. I don't know about you, but most of my girlfriends, we talk about how so many times you've gotten into a relationship and get really serious before you've really gotten to know the guy. And then a couple of years later, you look back and think, "I don't even like this guy!" [laughs] And in our case, we were friends for so many years before we were a couple, that we know everything about each other. I think that's a really strong foundation that a lot of people don't wait to have. I don't look back at my life and regret ... well, I regret being divorced, but I don't regret being married before, because everything you do in your life gets you to where you are. You really learn to appreciate what you have, and I am so happy. We just feel really lucky that we found each other, and we don't take that for granted. And a lot of people will go, "Yeah, well you've only been married a little while. That all changes!" [laughs] But I don't buy that. Sometimes you find that person who is just the perfect fit.

And it seems you've fit right into Garth's family life, as well. Tell us the best part about being a stepmom to his three daughters.

I feel completely spoiled, because I know for some, it's a tough role to be in. But for me, it hasn't been, because they are so sweet to me, and they're smart and funny and cool. I really lucked out. Just to have these girls in the house who make you laugh -- they're hilarious! It's an added bonus to my life, and I never had a clue what it would be like. It's wonderful.

At home in Oklahoma, you count Garth's ex-wife, Sandy Brooks, as both a next-door neighbor and friend. Are things really as nice as they seem?

They really are. It's amazing. It's a lesson, especially to commend Sandy and Garth, on putting the girls first. I was raised in a family where my parents stayed together, so I don't have any experience with children of divorce. So I would never say, "Oh, they're fine. It's all perfect." I would say that if divorce with children can work, it works when the parents put the children first, and that's what we do.

They actually get to come with you to the Kansas City shows. That's got to be fun for them.

They've come on the nights that we've had them. And for these last few shows, each girl gets a night for herself, to bring some of her friends and not always have to be with her sisters [laughs].

With four ladies in the house, does Garth ever get to watch ESPN?

[laughs] He and I both really love sports! The girls probably get sick of it, though.

Well, let's say you're all home with no plans on a Saturday night. What would we find going on in the Brooks-Yearwood household?

Cooking! We love grilling out and eating at home. And if there's a game on, it's usually on in the background. And we know a few couples with kids who we've met through soccer, so we'll have them over. And maybe we'll be playing dominoes or cards. But we just hang out ... just what most people do. We just have a really laid-back life. You know, we do get to go to L.A. and New York and tour the country, so for me, it's a nice balance.

Retired country superstar Garth Brooks may be concentrating on being a soccer-dad these days, but that doesn't stop him from continuing to make career milestones. Officially named the best-selling solo artist of all time, Brooks will surely strengthen that status with a new venture that packages something old with something new.

The superstar entertainer releases 'The Ultimate Hits' on Tuesday, a three-disc collection of some of his biggest songs and their accompanying music videos, plus four new tunes. And if the first of the new material is any indication of how well this project will do, we can expect a typical Brooks blockbuster. The first single, 'More Than a Memory,' is the first country song in history to debut at No.1 on the charts, and hasn't dropped out of the Top Ten in more than two months.

We spoke with the living legend about coming back into the limelight with this new project, and in our candid conversation, Brooks sets the record straight about his retirement status and tells us how his proudest career moment is pretty in pink.

When you announced the new album, you were very vocal about your nerves coming back into the spotlight. Has the success of 'More Than a Memory' eased those fears?

It sure is a lot more fun than if no one would have accepted it. [laughs] I've gotta tell you, the thing I love about it the most is the relationship with country radio. Every artist grows up with country radio being your guide to what you love as a kid. Someday your dream is to hear Randy Travis, George Strait, Keith Whitley and yourself ... and just hear you inside these great artists. They give you that dream and then all of a sudden, they become the window for your music out to the people. So country radio is very important for that reason for me as an artist. Business wise, there's gonna be a time when my stuff isn't there anymore or isn't demanded anymore, and they're gonna move on. So being something to country radio means something to me. And having this reaction to the first song out in quite some time was more than impressive -- it was very heartwarming.

At the ripe old age of 17, Taylor Swift is already in the country music history books. She's the only female solo artist ever to write or co-write every song on a platinum-selling debut album. And though the songwriting prodigy is hard at work on her second album, she isn't quite ready to put the CD that's earned her numerous accolades to rest. Swift recently sat down with us to talk about beefing up her eponymous debut. And in true teenage fashion, we also gab about boys, high school drama and how she helped her buddy Kellie Pickler through a tough breakup.


Tell us what's included on the new 'Taylor Swift [Deluxe Edition]' project.

The album has been out for a year, but it's too early to put out the second studio album. But we wanted to give [the fans] more music. So this was an opportunity to put out three new songs and a bunch of exclusive content. I actually edited a home movie on my laptop, and it's on there as a special feature. There's my first phone conversation with Tim McGraw, all my music videos and a bunch of concert footage. The [new] songs are demos that I wrote when I was 15, trying to get a record deal.

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She's made a name for herself with her rock, pop and folk music, and now Jewel is trying her hand at country. The singer-songwriter has signed a multi-album deal with a brand-new record label in Nashville, the Valory Music Company.

"I grew up on a ranch in Alaska, and my favorite memories are of sitting around a camp fire with my father and listening to the songs he wrote and sang," Jewel said after her big announcement today. "It was pure country music, and it has made me a sincere fan of country music ever since."

Jewel is no stranger to Music City. She has cut five of her six albums there, and she recently hosted the reality talent show, 'Nashville Star.' Her first country single is scheduled for early next year, with the album expected to be released in the spring. It's being produced by John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich.

Jessica Simpson's been spotted in Nashville quite a bit lately. The pop starlet is in Music City to explore the notion of recording a country album. According to Nashville ABC affiliate WKRN, Simpson is in talks with some of country music's heaviest hitters to collaborate on her new project, including John Rich (Big & Rich), Vince Gill and Simpson's co-star in 'The Dukes of Hazzard' movie, Willie Nelson. The singer's also reportedly met with executives at CMT (Country Music Television) and Nashville's Sony/BMG record label.

Other news outlets are reporting that Simpson actually moved to Nashville, though she was also recently seen apartment-hunting in New York. Simpson has said that she is making the move to the Big Apple to be closer to her record label. She also has an upcoming gig in New York, co-hosting 'The View' on November 15 and 16.

Carrie Underwood has a tough act to follow: herself. Since blazing onto the country music scene after a 2005 'American Idol' win, the singer has seen her debut album become the most successful 'Idol'-alumnus CD yet, with six-times platinum sales, collecting countless awards in the process. Now, she'll try to top that with her second album, 'Carnival Ride.' We sat down with the notoriously private Carrie to talk about beating the sophomore slump, staying true to 'Idol' and the number-one man in her life.

What is the main difference between 'Carnival Ride' and your first album?

I got to write a little bit more on this one. And we got more time to make it really fantastic. I've really gotten the opportunity to get excited about this one. It was great, because I was there for every step, so I think it's definitely more me!

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'Carnival Ride' is a little more country than your first album. Does that reflect where you are right now as an artist?

I sing country music. I love country music. It's what I've always wanted to do. With the last one, the crossover success we had was with a very country song ['Before He Cheats']. So I think that showed everybody that people love country music -- they just might not know it yet [laughs].

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Is it any different going back home to Oklahoma now that you're a big star?

Things have definitely changed a lot. People drive by my parents' house, which scares me! I'm sure people don't know they're scaring us, but I told my parents to call the police [laughs]. Because I'm sure they mean well, but you don't know ... so it scares me when people go by there. I don't appreciate it.

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Did you have any childhood celebrity crushes?

Oh, I had a major childhood crush! I don't know what he's up to now ... but I had posters of Jonathan Taylor Thomas on my walls as a young kid.

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Do you ever miss your anonymity?

It's just really weird sometimes when people say negative things. Sometimes I wish I was anonymous to naysayers [laughs], because I consider myself to be a people-pleaser. So whenever I see something that's negative, it's kind of like ... wow, where does this hate come from?


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