Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Wow, where to start with all the new news on the Carrie Underwood front?

* First off, a new song from her upcoming “Play On” album is available today through iTunes. It’s called “Mama’s Song,” and you can hear a minute snippet of it on Billboard by following this link.

Apparently, iTunes will be releasing a new song from “Play On” each week between now and the CD’s Nov. 3 release. And any pre-release singles you purchase will count toward the final price of the new album from iTunes.

Hmm, interesting new marketing ploy. And a great way to drum up interest in the CD. Not that it isn’t already one of the most anxiously anticipated of the year.

* Second bit of news: Carrie will headline her own two-hour variety television special on FOX at 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7.

A holiday show? Well, not entirely. According to the release on Carrie’s Web site, she’ll be performing songs from her new album and previous hits, as well as Christmas classics.

There will be guest stars, too. Already announced: Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley and … get this, Idol fans … season seven winner David Cook.

* Third bit of news: Next week, you’ll be able to buy holiday music performed by Carrie. In a Wal-Mart exclusive, her previous album, “Carnival Ride,” will be re-released as a two-disc package.

Disc number two will feature five holiday songs — “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “The First Noel,” “What Child Is This,” “O Holy Night” and “Do You Hear What I Hear.”

Release date for the double disc: Wednesday, Oct. 21.