Martina McBride and George Strait Roll in

	Grammy winners Martina McBride and George Strait in sweet harmony

With model looks and an unmistakable voice, Martina McBride has been shaking up the country music scene since her debut album in 1992. Multiple awards and accolades later, her 11th studio release, named fittingly enough, Eleven (with 11 tracks, naturally), is her most personal work yet. McBride will be showcasing her powerhouse voice in Vegas on February 4, as she hits the MGM Grand for a stop on her joint tour with country icon George Strait.

You’ve been busy! You recently went on your own tour and then headed out on the road with George Strait without a break.
MARTINA MCBRIDE: Touring with George was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I am a big fan of George. I was lucky enough to be on a stadium tour with him a few years ago.

Tell us about your experiences performing in Vegas.
MM: I have lost track of how many times I have performed in Vegas, but I used to come out and perform at the Desert Inn. I look forward to the Academy of Country Music Awards here. It’s always so exciting to see all your friends and fellow artists around the casinos. We usually end up a little sleep-deprived!

What are your favorite Vegas memories?
MM: One of the most memorable shows I have seen is The Beatles Love by Cirque Du Soleil. My husband and I are huge Beatles fans. It was an amazing experience. This past year made the second time we participated in Grand Slam for Children. Andre Agassi Foundation for Education does so much great work.

You did so much of the writing on your new album, Eleven. Where do you get your inspiration?
MM: One of the things that makes Eleven different is that I wrote over half of the album—the most I have ever written for an album. Songs like “Teenage Daughters” and “Long Distance Lullaby” came from my real life and are my words, not words created by someone else.

Would you ever accept a resident headlining deal on the Strip like Garth Brooks and Shania Twain?
MM: At some point that would be really exciting. For now, though, I have three children in school, so it would be hard to disrupt their lives. But who knows what could happen?