Amy grant photo

Speaking with...AMY GRANT

Amy Grant, Fernando Ortega

7:30 p.m. Saturday

Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont

Tickets, $24.50-$29.50

(312) 559-1212

Triple sec and prayer. That's the remedy that Amy Grant says saved a recent concert performance after the Grammy-winning Christian/ country music artist lost her voice.

"I actually got through the entire show without a problem because of it," Grant says, laughing. "I drank a real small amount, and the liqueur just coats your throat. And then I called my sister and asked her to pray really hard. And it all worked. I did the show, encores and all without a problem."

Grant is in fine voice and will be in town on Saturday night touring behind her latest Christian music album, "Legacy" (Word), produced by her husband, country star Vince Gill. Fans should be pleasantly surprised to learn that Gill is playing guitar on Grant's tour, after her longtime guitarist Jerry McPherson dropped out because of a family crisis.

"I remember about a month ago when Jerry called and said he couldn't do the tour. I looked at Vince and asked him if he would do it and he just said, 'Well, I guess you need to give me a bunch of your old records to listen to.' [Laughing] He does a few of his songs about halfway through the show. And we sing some things together."

Grant is also sporting short, straight hair these days, the result of a spur-of-the-moment decision.

"I was on a photo shoot for the new album and the girl doing my hair said, 'What do you want to do?' and I said, 'Let's cut it.' So we did. ... It's just fun to have something different. It's grown back quite a bit."

The couple also share a daughter, Corinna, born last year. Being a mother at 41 is one of life's greatest joys, Grant says, with one exception.

"I had the hardest time getting back in shape after having Corinna. I've always had a flat stomach, but it just wasn't happening. Then I realized I hadn't toured except for my Christmas shows, and when you sing every day, you don't need to do situps to get your abs in shape. It's the honest truth. As a singer you use those muscles all the time. It doesn't do a thing for my rear end, but it gives me the best abs."

HERE'S WHAT ELSE GRANT HAD TO SAY:

Last good movie you saw: I'm really into buying movies these days because I love just kicking back on the bus and watching them on my laptop DVD player. I just bought "Amelie" and I just watched "My Life as a House."

Last good book you read: I just started John Irving's A Widow for One Year. And I just finished Seabiscuit: An American Legend [by Laura Hillenbrand]. And I'm also just starting Brennan Manning's The Wisdom of Tenderness.

CD you're listening to these days: Aside from the fact that Corinna wants to hear "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy," [laughs] I'm never too far from Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett, Keb' Mo' and the Dixie Chicks' new album. I also just bought Bruce Springsteen's new album.

Best professional advice you ever got: It came from two people. First, from Minnie Pearl, who years ago told me [about fans], "Just remember to love them and they'll love you back. It's not about wowing them or impressing them."

And then Vince and I always say this to each other: "Gracious on the way up, gracious on the way down."

Guilty pleasure: A hot bath with a glass of champagne and a good book. Or just staying up late and reading a good book.

Favorite pastime: Tennessee Titans football and riding horses. I just got a new horse, a 3-year-old named Cherokee. I just love the solitude and peacefulness that comes with riding.

Favorite Chicago pastime: I've been to several Bears games. But I don't really shop. It's too overwhelming. I just love to go out and explore and ride my bike. I love finding a really quaint coffee shop and just relaxing.

Favorite Chicago memory: My mom and three sisters surprised me a few years back and we all flew to Chicago for my birthday to see the Monet exhibit [at the Art Institute].

Best thing about Chicago audiences: They're not as subdued as Southern audiences. Half the fun of an evening on stage is the comfortable banter with the people, and Chicago audiences are wonderful about it.