CMT ARTISTS OF YEAR - Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Eric Church were among the VIPs at the private CMT Artists of the Year taping Monday nigh. Other red carpet arrivals included Toby Keith, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band, Chris Young, and more… and although the honorees are being kept under wraps until the special airs this weekend, the night included performances by Toby, Jason, Carrie, Miranda and Eric. Luke and Ryan performed together, as did EYB and Kacey. Hayden Panettiere and Rascal Flatts hosted the event, which will air on Saturday at 9pm. 

TAYLOR SWIFT – recently picked up the Ripple of Hope Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. The award honors leaders of the international business, entertainment and activist communities who demonstrate commitment to social change. Past winners include President Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Bono, George Clooney and Vice President Al Gore.  

GARY ALLAN - is giving away a download of an acoustic version of his single "Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)" in exchange for a donation to superstorm Sandy relief. To get the download, make a contribution to the American Red Cross through his website.

BONUS - via Twitter: @BradPaisley doesn't prank only his opening acts: "My manager, Bill Simmons, turned 60 Sat and he went out of town, so we built him a present on his porch."