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

Scotty McCreery has released the first two episodes of his brand-new webisode series, "ScotTV." The series will give fans a behind-the-scenes experience with the singer as he embarks on his first headlining tour. There are also sneak peeks of his forthcoming sophomore album, and much more. "We always have a lot of fun out on the road and these first episodes of ScotTV are just the beginning," says Scotty. "2013 is going to be a new chapter in my career and I'm excited to share it with all my fans. I hope they'll enjoy the ride as much as I do." Tune in to ScotTV here, and watch the first webisode below.

Americana music made a big splash on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart this week. Although Taylor Swift's Red remains at the top spot, the highest debut of the week, at No. 4, is Old Yellow Moon, the duets album by legendary singers Rodney Crowell and Emmylou Harris. Also debuting, at No. 8, is In Time, the reunion album from the Mavericks. Blake Shelton's "Sure Be Cool If You Did," remains the most downloaded song of the week, and his "Ten Times Crazier" makes its debut at No. 20 on the Top Country Digital Tracks chart.



Little Big Town
's Kimberly Schlapman is heading back to her kitchen for a second season of "Kimberly's Simply Southern" on GAC. In the series, the singer shares recipes and cooking tips with her special guests and also visits unique locations to discover local culinary finds across the country. The second season begins Saturday (March 9) at 1:00 PM ET on GAC. Among those dropping in to the kitchen this season: Josh Turner, Martina McBride, Craig Morgan, Dustin Lynch, supermodel Niki Taylor and many more. Kimberly's daughter Daisy Pearl and all the Little Big Town kids will also be joined by the group's Karen Fairchild for a special episode on cupcakes!

Merle Haggard will receive an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts from California State University Bakersfield during the school's June 14 commencement ceremony. The late Buck Owens will also be recognized as the recipient of the university's President's Medal.

Remember those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books that gave you the chance to decide how the story would proceed? Country group JB and the Moonshine Band must have enjoyed them, too. They're giving fans the opportunity to call the shots, literally, on their new video, "The Only Drug." Now through Thursday, March 14, via CMT's official Facebook page you can decide between one of two alternate plot endings, with the winning scene set to air in the video's premiere later this month. Watch the trailer here.

Singer-songwriter Lori McKenna is set to release Massachusetts, her sixth full-length studio album, April 23. Of the new collection, the Massachusetts housewife says, "The short version of the long story is that music has provided me with some of the most important and meaningful relationships in my life. I wanted to make a record with some of those people who have been part of my musical life since it's very beginning. It was time to make a record in the community of musicians that gave me the opportunity to learn who I am as a songwriter." Recently, her songs have been recorded by Ashley Monroe ("Morning After"), Little Big Town ("Sober"), among many others. She also toured with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, both of whom recorded her songs as well.

Set your DVR! Jake Owen will be on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live" this Thursday, March 7 at 11:00 PM ET, chatting with host Andy Cohen and fellow guest Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Watch Scotty McCreery's First ScotTV Webisode

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