Filed under: Country News

The Boot rounds up today's country music news from around the web.

Pirate flags were waving from the upper sections of Tampa's Raymond James Stadium this weekend as Kenny Chesney kicked off his 2013 No Shoes Nation tour. The superstar entertainer's fans began tailgating early as part of Kenny's Beach Party outside the venue, then settled in for the two-plus-hour show, which had them almost as excited as the singer himself. "It was our third time coming to Tampa to kick off the tour, and there's a reason," he explains. "It's Florida, it's warm, it's near the ocean, and these fans are just off the chain." Among the highlights of the show was opening artist Kacey Musgraves joining Kenny for a duet on his hit, "Come Over." The crowd of 47,492 included ESPN analyst Jon Gruden, Philadelphia Phillies pitchers Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels, New York Yankee Kevin Youkils and USC quarterback Matt Barkley. In addition to the headliner and Kacey, the star-packed bill also features Eric Church and the Eli Young Band.

Kenny Chesney is among the latest round of superstar acts scheduled to perform for the 48th Annual ACM Awards telecast next month. His tour mate Eric Church, along with fellow superstars Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellumand Little Big Town have also been added to the lineup, which includes the show's co-hosts, Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton. Previously announced performers include Kelly Clarkson, Hunter Hayes, Miranda Lambert, George Strait and the Band Perry. The show will air live from Las Vegas, Sunday, April 7 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on CBS.