When TIM MCGRAW gave up the firewater five years ago, it wasn't because somebody gave him an ultimatum . . . or because he hit rock bottom. He just figured it was time. He tells "People", quote, "I drank a lot from my point of view and I needed to stop. I felt quitting was something I needed to do. I didn't feel I had any moral high ground with my kids in the long run." As we saw in those tractor tire workouts last summer, Tim replaced his alcohol high with grueling physical workouts. He adds, quote, "Working out is a great way to go out on stage. When I hit the stage, my adrenaline is going and I'm ready."

GARY ALLAN has earned his first #1 on the "Billboard" 200 chart. His ninth studio album, "Set You Free", just debuted with 106,000 copies to take the top spot. Gary didn't face much competition though . . . the only other new album to debut in the Top 10 this week was the "2013 Grammy Nominees" compilation album, which sold 41,000 copies in 4th place.

You may have heard of an American hero named BRENDAN MARROCCO. He's a soldier who lost all four limbs in a bomb blast while serving in Iraq. Six weeks ago he became the first double arm transplant at Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Hospital. Well, during a recent interview he mentioned he'd like to shake hands with BLAKE SHELTON. When Blake heard about it he hit up Twitter and wrote, "Wow. Speechless. I will make this happen!" He also Tweeted, "Hey Brendan. I can't WAIT to shake the hand of an American Hero/Stud. You my brother."

Blake's promise got back to Brendan . . . and he wrote, quote, "Holy mother of God! I can't wait. I'm a huge fan and really looking forward to it. Thank you." No word yet when the handshake will take place.