KENNY ROGERS says he and DOLLY PARTON were "friends" but not "lovers" when they were churning out monster hits back in the '80s. But they were okay with people thinking something was going on because it helped sell records.

I get annoyed when old school artists whine that country music isn't what it used to be. Of course it's not. That would be boring. So props to ERIC CHURCH for pushing the idea that change in country music is a good thing. Eric told the "Detroit News", quote, "I've always felt like evolution was a great part of the growth of country music. Yeah, I grew up on country, but I also grew up on AC/DC, Metallica, Pantera and Black Sabbath." And even though Eric has opened for a lot of big name country acts . . . like Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean . . . he's not afraid to admit his biggest influence as a performer was touring with BOB SEGER. Eric said, quote, "Bob came out there with sound and lights, that's it; and when he walked out there the place went (super) crazy.

There aren't too many people who can do justice to a CARRIE UNDERWOOD song, but KELLY CLARKSON is one of them. Kelly performed Carrie's hit "Blown Away" at a tour stop in Australia.