Artist Confidential: Billy Ray Cyrus at Sirius Satellite XM Radio

If watching a studio recording of one of your favorite artists behind sound proof studio glass with about 38 people sounds like a party, then pinch me and pass me a party hat because that's where I was today. My daughter and I got to attend the recording of a wonderful performance by Billy Ray Cyrus at Sirius Satellite XM Radio in New York City. If all you know of Billy Ray is the handsome guy singing Achy Breaky Heart or only know him from Hannah Montana, then you have a lot of catching up to do. Stop by his website and have yourself a listen to some of his newest music and see all of the fantastic and creative things he has been up to. He is not only a song writer and musician, but an actor and tirelessly gives of himself to support our troops and many charities that are close to his heart. His new album Back To Tennessee is out today. Billy Ray did a few songs from it for us, along with some old favorites. It is wonderful. The song Back To Tennessee is in Hannah Montana The Movie which comes out this Friday, April 10th. Just go on and see it. ( You know you wanna.) The movie and soundtrack also feature Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and Steve Rushton. Not too shabby, eh?

Oh yes, back to today. I've never been to a recording studio or radio station before so it was fun just to be there. A few years ago The Mister and I had tickets and backstage 'meet and greet' passes to see Billy Ray at one of the Casino theaters in Connecticut. My dear Grandma died that day so of course we had to give them up. Today more than made up for it though. It felt like he was performing just for us and at certain points during the interview conversations I almost forgot where I was because Billy Ray is so down to earth and puts such heart, honesty and thought into his answers that it was like listening to an inspiring friend over an iced tea on the front porch. One thing that always amazes me about him is that he has such a diverse audience of all ages. I'm not sure when the performance will air, but did you know that you can subscribe to listen to Sirius Satellite XM Radio over the internet as well as the radio? They have tons of channels and something for everyone. They will surely announce Billy Ray's show on their site. Bravo and many thanks to the Artist Confidential crew over at Sirius as well. I appreciated the invitation very much.

Now for a few photos. It is nearly impossible to take a photo (even without a flash) with glass in between, so I apologize for the blurry and the glare. Still, I think you'll get the idea of the set up for the performance. The band is Miley Cyrus's band. Billy's band 'Sly Dog' wasn't there today. You can click on the photos to enlarge them a bit if you like.

Brandi Cyrus, Billy Ray's lovely eldest daughter.

Here's an autograph wall near the recording booth. For all of you Hannah Montana

fans, note Miley in the corner.

And since the Sirius Satellite studio was practically across the street from Magnolia Bakery...

I'm happy to put last week's computer woes behind me.

There's nothing like Billy Ray Cyrus, a day with my daughter and pretty cupcakes to put you right again! -CS ^..^