The trail to an Australian cliffside (overlooking the Pacific Ocean, no less) where Keith Urban wed Nicole Kidman last weekend was blazed by gallons of paparazzi and inches upon inches of this column.

So I breathe a sigh of relief along with my hearty congratulations to the now nuptialed twosome.

The ceremony in Nicole's hometown was well attended by a who's who of Australian entertainers: Hugh "X Men" Jackman, Naomi "The Ring" Watts and Russell "Various Legal Difficulties" Crowe. Neil Finn from the awesome Down Under combo Crowded House entertained at the reception.

According to MetroSource, Keith composed a song for Nicole that we'll probably never hear. Nicole apparently wants it to be "their" song and asked Keith to not record it.

By the way, even though Keith and Nicole were both raised in Australia, neither was born there. Pop Quiz Time! Can you name the country of birth for each?

* Feels Like Today (on NBC): The Rascal Flatts dudesicles are riding high, indeed! Their "Me and my Gang" disc is two-times platinum and they are the best selling act in all of the United States for 2006 so far.

Their current tour will play in front of close to one million heads. And they're slated for a three-song set on this morning's "Today" show.

Here's the play list: "Fast Cars and Freedom," "What Hurts the Most" and "Feels Like Today."

* Shania Stuff: There's good news and very unsettling news concerning Shania Twain this week. The good stuff, reports Country Nation, is that Shania should have a new single out by the end of summer with a new album following later this year.

Meanwhile, the U.K.'s "Guardian" reports that a British woman received a life sentence in prison last week for shooting her husband to death after lip-syncing Shania's "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" in front of him.

The woman claimed that the shooting was accidental and that as she bowed upon completion of the song, she dropped a shotgun she was holding.

According to her account, it hit the floor and her husband was shot in the heart, dying instantly.

And in case you're wondering how a loaded shotgun became a karaoke prop, the woman said in court that her husband had asked her to hold it.

* Noted: Shania, Tim McGraw, Crystal Gayle and LeAnn Rimes are hitting the pavement in LaLa Land within the next year. They will be among 23 notables set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Tim and Faith Hill were joined onstage at their New York show last week by Tony Bennett, who belted out Hank Williams' "Cold, Cold Heart" along with the warm-hearted couple.

The McGraw-Hill's play D.C.'s Verizon Center (I believe that's what the building is called this week) tonight.

John Michael Montgomery's legal snaggle is headed to trial. The September proceedings in Lexington, Kentucky concern JMM's arrest in February for suspected drunken driving and allegedly carrying two concealed weapons.

Aerosmith microphone-stand hugger Steven Tyler is featured on Keith Anderson's new single, "Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll."

Reba McEntire whispered to CMT that she'd like "American Idol" Kelly Clarkson to join her on her planned duets album.

Lonestar drummer Keech Rainwater directed Kevin Sharp's new video "You are the Reason Why."

Toby Keith's "White Trash with Money" disc has just gone platinum, a first for his Show Dog Records imprint. Gary Allan's "See If I Care" disc has also passed the one million sales mark.

* Cut and Paste: Willie Nelson's pen has been honored by "Paste" magazine. The sticky periodical selected Willie as country's best songwriter.

On their list of the "100 Best Living Songwriters," Willie comes in at No. 15. Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard and Lyle Lovett are also glued to the list for their way with (creating) a tune.

* Mr. Jamboree Man!: Brad Paisley, due at Jamboree in the Hills this year, has another summer stop planned: He and wife Kimberly will vacation in Italy with Mr. & Mrs. William Shatner. I assume the accommodations were booked at Priceline.com.

* Coming Fourth: Look for Lonestar and Josh Turner on ABC's July 4th special, "An American Celebration at Ford's Theatre."

Also in TV Land, Big & Rich stop by MSNBC's "Imus" next Friday. A documentary on the duo's "The 8th of November" will be shown on GAC tomorrow night at 9 p.m.

Saturday at 9 p.m., I'll be free as a bird (How 'bout you?). That's because CMT will count down the "Greatest Southern Rock Songs." Expect a healthy dose of 'Skynyrd and hope for choice cuts from Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws and Blackfoot.

CMT debuts a new show, "Dedicated," Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. Deana Carter hosts the program, which will feature- What else?- your dedications.

* Shows this Week: The Kentucky Headhunters play the July 4 Festival in Petersburg Tuesday. Frederick's annual Fourth concert at Baker Park has Jamie O'Neal on the bill.

The Marshall Tucker Band celebrates our independence Tuesday in Stephens City, Va. with a gig at Sherando Park.

Bonnie Raitt and Keb Mo bookend the holiday with Monday and Wednesday shows at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Va.

* Quiz Answer: Keith came into world via New Zealand and Nicole was born in America (Hawaii to be exact).

On that note, I extend an invitation to come back next week, quoting "Hawaii Five-0's" Jack Lord: "Be there ... aloha."

Grant Garland writes a weekly music column for the Slice of Life.