Here’s a video of Leighton performing ‘Summer Girl’ from ‘Country Strong’ movie.

Stepping out of her comfort zone, Leighton Meester stars as Chiles Stanton, an up-and-coming country singer in “Country Strong.” And she said the performance-heavy role was a bit nerve-wracking.

The “Gossip Girl” actress explained, “It’s terrifying and it’s just, it’s an incredible adrenaline rush. It’s not bad, by any means, it’s just terrifying.”

She continued, “I’ve never done what Chiles does [in the film]: get up onstage and not a single note comes out. That hasn’t happened. For her, that was another aspect that was incredibly fulfilling. She changes. She starts off a certain way and she ends up completely the other way. She grows up.” • Read full story…

I have uploaded new event photos of Leighton Meester and Gwyneth Paltrow arrive at the screening of Screen Gems’ ‘Country Strong’ at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on December 14, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California.

GALLERY LINK:

• (x066) Events in 2010: ‘Country Strong’ Los Angeles Special Screening

BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE

“BOUND TO YOU” — BURLESQUE
Music by: Samuel Dixon
Lyrics by: Christina Aguilera, Sia Furler

“COMING HOME” — COUNTRY STRONG
Music & Lyrics by: Bob DiPiero, Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges

“I SEE THE LIGHT” — TANGLED
Music by: Alan Menken
Lyrics by: Glenn Slater

“THERE’S A PLACE FOR US” — CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER
Music & Lyrics by: Carrie Underwood, David Hodges, Hillary Lindsey

“YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE LAST OF ME” — BURLESQUE
Music & Lyrics by: Diane Warren

I’ve added new photoshoots & behind the scenes outtakes of Leighton Meester did for her “Allure” 2011 January magazine to the gallery.

GALLERY LINK:

• (x009) Photoshoots In 2010: Michael Thompson [Allure]

Leighton Meester slips into some sexy lingerie and a clear Louis Vuitton raincoat in this hot shot from Allure magazine’s January 2011 issue, where she graces the cover!

Here’s what the 24-year-old Country Strong actress had to share:

On the Chuck and Blair love affair: “I can really relate to it – not necessarily because it’s this dramatic, tumultuous relationship, but because the way they love each other is very real, and not for the sake of being dramatic. It’s actual love. There’s nobody for each other but them.”

On her former life as a partier: “We had craaaazy parties, we had DJ’s, bands, an ice luge, a fire twirler. One of my roommates burned off her bangs on the stove trying to light a cigarette. I mean, drinking is one thing – overdrinking is another. And drugs are something that I do not tolerate at all. You’d be surprised how many people do it. If you go out and you’re living the nightlife scene, that’s what people do.”

On the supposed rivalry with costar Blake Lively: “It’s unfortunate when women are pitted against each other, like with Sex and the City. People say, ‘They’re jealous of each other.’ Come on! They’re all rich, successful, great actresses.”

On her love life: “It’s wonderful to be in love. And it’s definitely wonderful to cuddle and have sex and get to experience life with somebody. But it’s OK if you don’t find him and you’re 24. You can find it someday.”

Source: Just Jared

It certainly has been one of the most entertaining dramas out there, but “Gossip Girl” may be drawing to an end in the next few years.

While out promoting her upcoming film “Country Strong,” Leighton Meester spoke with E! News about how long she believes the show will last, to which she replied, “Two more years.”

The Blair Waldorf actress was then asked why two years? “Because we’re under contract,” she explained.

Leighton added that the producers and the network have been more understanding than ever before about herself and her costars taking time off in order to pursue other projects, particularly movies.

“It allows you to be ready for when the show’s over,” she said.

Source: Celebrity Gossip