Country singer Trisha Yearwood [ tickets ] has added a few more concerts to her summer/fall US tour, which launches next month on the East Coast.

In related news, Yearwood recently parted with MCA Records after 16 years to sign with indie label Big Machine Records. The singer has known Big Machine President/CEO Scott Borchetta since they worked together at MTM Records in the late '80s. Borchetta later became a radio promotions exec at MCA and helped Yearwood score nine No. 1 hits, 20 Top 10 hits, and an impressive list of gold and platinum album certifications, according to a press release.

"I've had a long, successful relationship with Scott Borchetta, and I've watched with pride as he's taken Big Machine Records from a brand new company to an extremely successful record label in less than two years," Yearwood said in a statement. "I'm excited about starting this next chapter in my career with Scott and Big Machine."

The singer expects to release a new album on the label in early 2008. Her latest studio set, 2005's "Jasper County," marked her return to the music business after a four-year hiatus. Last year, the record was reissued with an additional track--the Grammy-nominated "Love Will Always Win," a duet with Yearwood and her husband, Garth Brooks.

In addition to her music and acting careers, Yearwood is keeping busy educating the public about hearing loss. She recently partnered with the Starkey Hearing Foundation for a media campaign and public service announcements.

"Hearing is such a critical part of being a musician," Yearwood said in a statement. "I've seen so many great artists struggle with hearing loss that I had to be part of bringing this issue into the spotlight. No one should have to struggle to hear."

Yearwood, who burst onto country radio in 1991 with "She's in Love With the Boy," is a past Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year and a member of the Grand Ole Opry. She has sold more than 10 million albums.