Posts Tagged ‘Kenny Chesney’
Sunday, October 28th, 2012
While the rest of the country fixates on “Nashville,” the 46th annual Country Music Association Awards air live from Music City with equal drama and ridiculousness November 1 at 7 p.m. CST. The CU staff picked and predicted the awards below. Chime in with your thoughts, and check back for our live blog on Thursday night!
Entertainer of the Year 
Should Win:
- Jason Aldean – Dan, Ben, Kevin
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton
- Taylor Swift – Jonathan, Tara, Leeann
Will Win:
- Jason Aldean – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Kevin
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton
- Taylor Swift – Tara, Leeann
Dan: I’ll probably never be able to fully embrace Aldean, but his impact on the genre remains undeniable, and once in a while he releases something like “Fly Over States” that lends some dimension to his hick-rock formula.
Tara: “Fly Over States” will land on my best-of-2012 list (I’m as surprised as you are), but I just can’t get behind Jason Aldean’s overall brand of country, regardless of his impact. That leaves me with Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift, and only the latter put out music to match her star in the eligibility period. Boring category.
Ben: Sadly, this category just keeps getting harder and harder for me to care about. I could still see Swift taking it, but an Aldean victory is almost certain to happen sooner or later, and I’m thinking this could be his year. Blake’s turn will come eventually, but not until after Aldean has had his.
Jonathan: Aldean has yet to release anything I’ve liked even a little bit, but this award has increasingly turned into Nashville’s way to say “thank you” to whoever is bringing the most cash back to Music Row, so Aldean is likely due for a pat on the back. On some level, Shelton’s heightened media presence is its own reward, but he’s the most likely spoiler here, since pop crossover stars like Swift rarely pull off repeat wins.
Kevin: Should win: Carrie Underwood. But since she’s not nominated, I’ll go with Jason Aldean, who has been the biggest country artist this past year. I expect he’ll win, too.
Leeann: While it’s completely baffling to me that Jason Aldean has taken off as he has, I wouldn’t be shocked if he won this award. I, however, feel that it’s far more likely that Taylor Swift will win again.
Female Vocalist of the Year 
- Kelly Clarkson
- Miranda Lambert – Leeann
- Martina McBride
- Taylor Swift
- Carrie Underwood – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
Will Win:
- Kelly Clarkson
- Miranda Lambert – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
- Martina McBride
- Taylor Swift – Leeann
- Carrie Underwood
Tara: I still believe Underwood’s best is yet to come, but she deserves respect from the industry and critics alike for taking the kind of creative, thematic and interpretive risks she took with Blown Away. Maybe come next year she’ll have more influence; this year, the award is still Lambert’s to lose. (And shout out to homegirl Clarkson, who may have no place in this category, but who gave us the best cover of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” that I’ve ever heard.)
Ben: In my perfect world, Carrie Underwood’s solid new music (which was released within this year’s eligibility period) would nab her the trophy. Miranda had the most radio success this year, and will almost surely emerge victorious, but I simply can’t endorse the idea of rewarding her for releasing two singles that were easily the worst duds of her career. Footnote: Country radio seriously needs to start supporting more female artists.
Jonathan: I adore Kelly Clarkson, and, based upon nearly a decade’s worth of concert performances, I’d argue that she has the best taste in country material of any of the women nominated, and I look forward to the day when she finally records a proper country album. But her nomination here is absurd. Fortunately, she’s not really in the running to win. This likely comes down to Lambert and Underwood. In the past, I’ve championed Lambert for her fearless artistic vision, and I’ve been highly critical of Underwood’s grossly over-praised and over-rewarded output. But, this year, I’d prefer to see Underwood recognized for what is far and away her career-best work than to see Lambert win for what is quite obviously her worst. I doubt the voters will agree.
Dan: Ditto the others, pretty much. Underwood’s taste in material has deepened, but what excites me most is that her interpretive abilities have, too. I never used to feel comfortable with those comparisons to the Trishas and Connies of the world. Now I do.
Kevin: It’s all been said. Underwood’s reached new heights of artistry while still maintaining her commercial relevance. I’d call her one of the best, but that would imply there’s anyone else in her league right now.
Leeann: Miranda Lambert is still my favorite out of these choices and Kelly Clarkson’s nomination is still confusing to me. I think the award is a toss up between Taylor and Carrie in all actuality though.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Should Win:
- Jason Aldean
- Luke Bryan
- Eric Church – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
- Blake Shelton – Leeann
- Keith Urban
Will Win:
- Jason Aldean
- Luke Bryan – Dan
- Eric Church – Kevin
- Blake Shelton – Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Leeann
- Keith Urban
Tara: Unlike last year’s crop of men, these five at least put out memorable if not entirely thoughtful material in the eligibility period. But Church is the only one who’s had a consistent vision, and what a difference that makes. I don’t see the voters dethroning Shelton, though.
Ben: I expect that the CMA is going to continue shoving the whole “Blake and Miranda are the new Tim and Faith!” idea down our throats, but Eric Church made the best music of the field by far, and country radio finally decided to get on board with it. Eric Church deserves this.
Jonathan: Church is the only one of the five who has released any strong material during the eligibility period, though I generally remain a fan of Urban’s. It’s hard to see either of those two men winning, though. Urban’s past his commercial peak, and Church is still too divisive a persona. I also think Aldean’s vocal limitations play against him here – see Chesney, Kenny, and his track record in Male Vocalist races – especially since he’s likely to be recognized elsewhere. That leaves Crest WhiteStrips to take on Shelton. I think Shelton gets another win before Bryan’s inevitable coronation here.
Dan: CMA has developed a bad habit of just voting for the incumbent. But Bryan has the most momentum right now, so what the hey; I’ll mix things up and call it Crest Whitestrips 2012.
Kevin: Gonna go out on a limb and say the best one takes it home this year. They’ve got to be itching to finally acknowledge Eric Church, right? Right???
Leeann: Blake Shelton has had a good year. I suppose he has a good, high profile chance of being rewarded for it.
Vocal Group of the Year 
Should Win:
- The Band Perry
- Eli Young Band
- Lady Antebellum
- Little Big Town – Kevin
- Zac Brown Band – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Leeann
Will Win:
- The Band Perry
- Eli Young Band
- Lady Antebellum – Dan, Ben, Leeann
- Little Big Town – Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
- Zac Brown Band
Dan: Little Big Town’s album is too new, but their sudden momentum could power them to a spoiler win here anyway, depending on who Capitol gets behind. I’ll support them come ACM time; for now, give Zac Brown Band their freakin’ due.
Tara: Zac Brown Band and Little Big Town both put out stellar new music; the only major difference is timing. I support a ZBB win but won’t be disappointed if/when the “Pontoon”-fueled LBT steals this from the most complacent group in country music.
Ben: Zac Brown Band should win. Lady Antebellum will win. Déjà vu?
Jonathan: As much as logic points to another indefensible win for the most useless act in popular music, and as much as I want to see Zac Brown Band finally earn their long-overdue recognition, I’m calling this one an upset for the also-long-overdue Little Big Town. That karaoke video for “Pontoon” showed off just how deeply likedthey are by their peers, and now that they have the commercial stats, I think that that pervasive goodwill gives them the edge here.
Kevin: I think the red-hot momentum of Little Big Town could put them over the top. Zac Brown Band’s been my pick for a couple of years, but I really think they’re just treading water at this point.
Leeann: Zac Brown Band is far and away my favorite group of the nominees here, but Little Big Town’s talent is undeniable. I’d be happy if either of them won. I’m afraid Lady A will still win though.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Should Win:
- Big & Rich
- Love and Theft
- Sugarland
- The Civil Wars – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin, Leeann
- Thompson Square
Will Win:
- Big & Rich
- Love and Theft
- Sugarland – Leeann
- The Civil Wars – Kevin
- Thompson Square – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara
Ben: Because The Civil Wars are good.
Jonathan: Per usual: Merge this category with Vocal Group to trim the fat. The only act here deserving of the recognition is the one with the longest of long-shots to win.
Dan: La la la.
Tara: So pointless.
Kevin: I’m going out on another limb, this time by thinking that the whole “massive commercial success without radio” thing will give the Civil Wars a Mavericks-style victory. I’d honestly rather be wrong in my predictions than be depressed before the show even airs.
Leeann: I don’t think Sugarland has had a particularly active year, but I think they might still win based on name recognition.
New Artist of the Year
Should Win:
- Lee Brice – Ben, Tara, Leeann
- Brantley Gilbert
- Hunter Hayes – Dan, Kevin
- Love and Theft
- Thompson Square
Will Win:
- Lee Brice
- Brantley Gilbert – Dan, Ben, Jonathan
- Hunter Hayes – Kevin, Leeann, Tara
- Love and Theft
- Thompson Square
Dan: Since none of these artists do it for me, I’d shrug it over to the technically skilled Hayes, who I think could be interesting in the future if he challenges himself to become more than a one-man boy-band. As Sawyer Brown and Keith Urban have proven, sometimes an artist earns their win in this category retroactively.
Tara: Hunter Hayes needs to rein it in a bit, but his chops have potential. Lee Brice needs to find better material, but his performances are believable. “Hard To Love” is one of my favorite guilty pleasures of the year, so I guess I’ll go with the latter?
Ben: Lee Brice strikes me as having the most potential of these nominees, but right now, I think the Brantley Gilbert virus has already spread too far.
Jonathan: Absolutely not.
Kevin: Hunter Hayes is the musical equivalent of those memes that show cats doing people things. He’s putting out real country music, and it’s adorable! All joking aside, I’m pulling for real country music wherever I can find it. Hayes is all I’ve got to work with here.
Leeann: I’m really not fond of any of these choices.
Album of the Year
Should Win:
- Luke Bryan, Tailgates and Tanlines
- Eric Church, Chief – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin, Leeann
- Miranda Lambert, Four the Record
- Dierks Bentley, Home
- Lady Antebellum, Own the Night
Will Win:
- Luke Bryan, Tailgates and Tanlines
- Eric Church, Chief – Dan, Kevin
- Miranda Lambert, Four the Record – Ben, Tara
- Dierks Bentley, Home
- Lady Antebellum, Own the Night – Jonathan, Leeann
Dan: Everyone but Bentley’s got a shot, but my hopeful guess is that this is where the CMA will reward Church.
Tara: Chief and Four the Record both made big impressions on me last year, but only the former has held up with time. I’ll be optimistic and predict the CMA will reward its reigning Female Vocalist of the Year over its reigning Group of the Year. (I still can’t get over Own the Night winning a Grammy, y’all. Unbelievable.)
Ben: Church’s Chief is head-and-shoulders above the rest of the field, but my gut is still predicting a Lambert and Shelton sweep, though there’s still a chance the voters may decide to reward that dreadful Lady A album instead.
Jonathan: Bright side: This is the last major “Album of the Year”-type award Own the Night is eligible to win. Downside: This is the last major “Album of the Year”-type award Own the Night will win, at the expense of far more deserving competition.
Kevin: I think Chief really made an impression, and I’m betting it was enough of one to win.
Leeann: I reflexively assume Lady A will win this award at this point, but I’m hoping for a Dierks Bentley or Eric Church win. Dierks Bentley’s album is quality and I feel Eric Church’s album is interesting and fresh.
Song of the Year
Should Win:
- “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” – Will Hoge and Eric Paslay – Dan, Jonathan, Tara
- “God Gave Me You” – Dave Barnes
- “Home” – Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers – Kevin, Leeann
- “Over You” – Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton
- “Springsteen” – Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell – Ben
Will Win:
- “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” – Will Hoge and Eric Paslay – Dan, Tara
- “God Gave Me You” – Dave Barnes – Leeann
- “Home” – Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers
- “Over You” – Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton – Ben, Jonathan
- “Springsteen” – Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell – Kevin
Dan: I think I’m just being optimistic, but maybe the earnest Hoge/Paslay story of struggling for an artistic life will resonate with enough music-industry vets to overcome the bait-ishness of “Over You” and “Home.” Maybe?
Tara: I’d be fine with three of these five winning — and would even argue that, as a composition, “God Gave Me You” is solid — but “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” has the most soul. I’m not entirely sure where the votes will fall on this one, but maybe pop culture’s spotlight on Nashville will mean a win for the songwriters’ anthem?
Ben: I can’t picture this going to anyone but Lambert and Shelton. If the CMA intends to keep working this ridiculous power-couple nonsense, they have created a golden opportunity here, and I highly doubt the song’s awfulness will be any hindrance.
Jonathan: If knowing a song’s tragic backstory is a requirement for finding “meaning” in that song, then its songwriters have failed.
Kevin: I’m hoping the CMA voters sing Shelton and Lambert’s song back to them when filling out their ballots, and pick the strongest singer-songwriter in this race. Bentley’s cut is my personal favorite.
Leeann: I just have a feeling that the bland love song will win, but I’m hoping that the thoughtful ”Home” will prove me wrong.
Single of the Year 
Should Win:
- Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem” – Kevin
- Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
- Dierks Bentley, “Home” – Leeann
- Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
- Eric Church, “Springsteen” – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara
Will Win:
- Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem” – Kevin
- Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You” – Ben, Leeann
- Dierks Bentley, “Home” – Dan, Jonathan, Tara
- Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
- Eric Church, “Springsteen”
Dan: Feels like a toss-up, actually. I’d figure “Home” and “Springsteen” to duke it out, but remember that year when “I Saw God Today” randomly won?
Tara: “Home”’s graceful approach to patriotism is lovely and especially appreciated during this infuriating election season, but the song itself lacks spark. “Springsteen” is the better all-around record, and I think it’ll hold up with time, which is a lot more than I can say about the remaining three songs in the category.
Ben: I think “Springsteen” is going to be the song with the most staying power.
Jonathan: As fine a single as “Springsteen” is, I just can’t see the CMA rallying behind a song inspired by the Boss, especially not in an election year. Bentley’s thoughtful and relatively subtle brand of patriotism seems like a far safer bet.
Kevin: I think that Aldean’s track is the coolest sounding record of the five. Surface pleasures will suffice.
Leeann: Please not “Dirt Road Anthem”!
Musical Event of the Year 
Should Win:
- ”Dixie Highway”- Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band
- ”Feel Like a Rock Star” – Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw
- ”Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” – Willie Nelson featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson – Dan, Jonathan, Tara
- ”Safe and Sound” – Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars – Ben, Kevin, Leeann
- ”Stuck on You” – Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker
Will Win:
- ”Dixie Highway”- Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band
- ”Feel Like a Rock Star” – Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw – Ben, Jonathan, Leeann
- ”Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” – Willie Nelson featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson
- ”Safe and Sound” – Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars – Dan, Kevin, Tara
- ”Stuck on You” – Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker
Dan: “Roll Me Up” is a little hoot. But “Safe and Sound” had a higher profile, and it gives CMA a chance to be like, “See? We do appreciate the Civil Wars!”
Tara: Every song but “Roll Me Up” feels like it’s lacking something (in Chesney/McGraw’s case, taste), but I think “Safe and Sound” will have enough commercial clout to nab this one.
Ben: While I’m always happy to see some Alan Jackson love, “Dixie Highway” just doesn’t match the simple charm of Jackson and ZBB’s previous collaboration. “Safe and Sound” is just such a cool, haunting record – one that brings out the best in both of the acts involved. But since “Feel Like a Rock Star” has the biggest names attached, I think it’s an easy call that it’s going to win.
Jonathan:“Safe and Sound” is my favorite track here, but not necessarily because it’s a great collaboration. “Roll Me Up,” on the other hand, is a fun standalone cut that feels like a real event, and I appreciate the self-awareness with which the artists toy with their public personas. But it’s hard to imagine more conservative voters being on-board with the phrase, “CMA award winner Snoop Dogg.” The Chesney and McGraw duet quite rightfully bricked at radio, but it’s still the most likely winner here on star power alone.
Kevin: “Safe and Sound” succeeded in pushing the most mainstream of artists into an alternative country sound without sacrificing the identity of the duo that helped her get there. Plus it actually worked as a theme song to a movie that didn’t exactly lend itself to easy theming.
Leeann: I’d be fine with any of these except for the one that will probably win.
Music Video
of the Year
Should Win:
- Eric Church, “Springsteen” – Dan, Ben, Tara, Kevin
- Kenny Chesney, “Come Over”
- Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
- Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
- Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”
Will Win:
- Eric Church, “Springsteen”
- Kenny Chesney, “Come Over”
- Miranda Lambert, “Over You” – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Kevin
- Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
- Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”
Dan: The “Springsteen” video is pretty neato. Oh well.
Tara: The video for “Springsteen” is haunting. I dig it.
Jonathan: The Twilight-hued video for “Over You” is every bit as narrativeless, cloying, and shallow as the song itself, so I’m just going to pretend this is a retroactive win for “Kerosene.”
Kevin: (…Goes to YouTube to watch videos for first time…) Lambert, you had me until the horse. I’m going with Church, mostly because it reminds me of my own childhood and also Poltergeist for some reason.
Musician of the Year 
Should Win:
- Sam Bush – Jonathan, Kevin
- Paul Franklin – Ben, Leeann
- Dann Huff
- Brent Mason
- Mac McAnally
Will Win:
- Sam Bush
- Paul Franklin
- Dann Huff – Jonathan, Kevin
- Brent Mason
- Mac McAnally – Ben, Leeann
Ben: It’s Paul Franklin’s turn… and it has been for years now.
Jonathan: It’s not as cool as Chris Thile’s winning a MacArthur Fellowship, but Sam Bush’s nomination for his extraordinary mandolin work is my favorite thing on the entire CMA ballot this year.
Kevin: I can’t vote against the mandolin. I just can’t.
Leeann: I continue to root for the steel guitar.
38 Comments
Category CMA Awards
Tags: Big & Rich, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, Carrie Underwood, Dann Huff, Dave Barnes, Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, Hunter Hayes, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Kris Kristofferson, Lady Antebellum, Lee Brice, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Love and Theft, Luke Bryan, Mac McAnally, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Paul Franklin, Snoop Dogg, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, The Civil Wars, Thompson Square, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Zac Brown Band
Wednesday, September 5th, 2012
The list of nominees for the 46th annual Country Music Association Awards has been released. Eric Church had a big breakthrough this past year, and such is reflected in the nominee list – Church leads the pack with five nominations. Power couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert follow with four each, including a shared Song of the Year nod for their co-write “Over You.”
What’s your take on this year’s field of CMA nominees? Whose nominations were deserved, and whose were not? Who got snubbed? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
The live presentation airs Thursday, November 1 at 8pm Eastern on ABC-TV. The Country Universe Staff Picks & Predictions will be released the week of the show. Feel free to join us on show night for some live-blogging fun!
Entertainer of the Year
- Jason Aldean
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton
- Taylor Swift
Who’s in: Kenny Chesney
Who’s out: Keith Urban
No real surprises here. This year we swapped out Urban for Chesney, but all of these nominees have been here at least once before.
Female Vocalist of the Year
- Kelly Clarkson
- Miranda Lambert
- Martina McBride
- Taylor Swift
- Carrie Underwood
Who’s in: Kelly Clarkson
Who’s out: Sara Evans
Well, I was hoping for some new blood in this category, and that’s definitely what I got. Pop crossover star Kelly Clarkson scores her first nomination in the Female Vocalist field, displacing Sara Evans. There will likely be some amount of upset over Clarkson receiving such an accolade, as she had one #21-peaking country hit in the past year with “Mr. Know It All,” but has yet to release a full-length country album. And…that makes her one of the top five leading female vocalists in the country format? Okay…
Male Vocalist of the Year
- Jason Aldean
- Luke Bryan
- Eric Church
- Blake Shelton
- Keith Urban
Who’s in: Luke Bryan, Eric Church
Who’s out: Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley
Bryan and Church’s recent career strides are rewarded
with their first nominations in the always-competitive Male Vocalist race.
Vocal Group of the Year
- The Band Perry
- Eli Young Band
- Lady Antebellum
- Little Big Town
- Zac Brown Band
Who’s in: Eli Young Band
Who’s out: Rascal Flatts (!!!)
Eli Young Band scores a pair of huge radio hits, and thus squeezes out a former staple of the Vocal Group race.
Vocal Duo of the Year
- Big & Rich
- Love and Theft
- Sugarland
- The Civil Wars
- Thompson Square
Who’s in: Big & Rich, Love and Theft
Who’s out: Montgomery Gentry, Steel Magnolia
New Artist of the Year
- Lee Brice
- Brantley Gilbert
- Hunter Hayes
- Love and Theft
- Thompson Square
Who’s in: Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Love and Theft
Who’s out: The Band Perry (won), Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Chris Young (So, everyone except Thompson Square)
Album of the Year (Awarded to artist and producer)
- Luke Bryan, Tailgates and Tanlines
Produced by Jeff Stevens and Mark Bright
- Eric Church, Chief
Produced by Jay Joyce
- Miranda Lambert, Four the Record
Produced by Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, and Glenn Worf
- Dierks Bentley, Home
Produced by Brett Beavers, Luke Wooten, and Jon Randall Stewart
- Lady Antebellum, Own the Night
Produced by Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum
Song of the Year (Awarded to songwriters)
- Eli Young Band, “Even if It Breaks Your Heart”
Written by Will Hoge and Eric Paslay
- Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
Written by Dave Barnes
- Dierks Bentley, “Home”
Written by Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers
- Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
Written by Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton
- Eric Church, “Springsteen”
Written by Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell
Single of the Year (Awarded to artist and producer)
- Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem”
Produced by Michael Knox
- Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
Produced by Scott Hendricks
- Dierks Bentley, “Home”
Produced by Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten
- Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Produced by Jay Joyce
- Eric Church, “Springsteen”
Produced by Jay Joyce
Musical Event of the Year
- Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band, ”Dixie Highway”
- Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, ”Feel Like a Rock Star”
- Willie Nelson featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson, ”Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die”
- Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars, ”Safe and Sound”
- Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker, ”Stuck on You”
Music Video of the Year (Awarded to artist and director)
- Eric Church, “Springsteen”
Directed by Peter Zavadil
- Kenny Chesney, “Come Over”
Directed by Shaun Silva
- Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
Directed by Trey Fanjoy
- Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Directed by Declan Whitebloom
- Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”
Directed by Michael Salomon
Musician of the Year
Sam Bush
Paul Franklin
Dann Huff
Brent Mason
Mac McAnally
60 Comments
Category CMA Awards
Tags: Alan Jackson, Big & Rich, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, Brent Mason, Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Dan Wilson, Dann Huff, Darius Rucker, Dave Barnes, Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Hunter Hayes, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Jeff Hyde, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Kris Kristofferson, Lady Antebellum, Lee Brice, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Love and Theft, Luke Bryan, Mac McAnally, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Paul Franklin, Rascal Flatts, Ryan Tyndell, Sam Bush, Sara Evans, Snoop Dogg, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, The Civil Wars, Thompson Square, Will Hoge, Willie Nelson, Zac Brown Band
width=”150″ height=”150″ />100 Greatest Men: The Complete List
He started out as one of the lesser-ran hat acts of the nineties boom, catapulted to fame on the strength of a novelty song. But skillful song selection and deepening commitment to artistry helped Tim McGraw emerge as one of the genre’s strongest talents.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Tim McGraw was the son of baseball legend Tug McGraw, though he didn’t know this until he was an older boy. He was an aspiring baseball player himself, and attended college on a sports scholarship. While there, he learned to play guitar and grew more interested in pursuing music as his full-time career.
McGraw was inspired by the music of Keith Whitley, and by chance, he moved to Nashville on the same day that Whitley passed away. He played the clubs around town for four years, eventually garnering the interest of Curb Records. His self-titled debut album was released in 1993 to little fanfare, so it was a big surprise the following year when his second album, Not a Moment Too Soon, spent nearly thirty weeks at #1. It was the controversial novelty hit “Indian Outlaw” that got it there, but four more hits from the same set kept it at the top.
McGraw’s sudden move to multi-platinum sales gave him access to far better material, and over the next decade, a string of hit albums would establish him as one of Nashville’s best pickers of material. In 1996, he married fellow superstar Faith Hill, and they spent six weeks at #1 with “It’s Your Love”, their award-winning duet that was only one of many hit collaborations between the two. In the late nineties, he dominated radio with several multi-week #1 singles, becoming the genre’s flagship male vocalist and one of the few to win two consecutive CMA Album of the Year awards.
His success continued into the 21st century, and while McGraw became a movie star on the side, he still kept his primary focus on the music. In 2004, “Live Like You Were Dying” became the biggest hit of his career, earning him a Grammy and spending 7 weeks at #1, his longest-running stay on the top of the charts. After the album of the same name sold in the millions, his record sales began to cool, though disagreements with his label heated up. He still had regular hits on the radio, but for the first time, he also had several singles missing the top ten.
McGraw finished his commitment to Curb records in early 2012, and has now moved on to Big Machine records, releasing his first single for the label in the summer of 2012. He is currently on a successful stadium tour with Kenny Chesney, an artist that he influenced and mentored.
Essential Singles:
- Indian Outlaw, 1994
- Don’t Take the Girl, 1994
- I Like it, I Love it, 1995
- It’s Your Love (with Faith Hill), 1997
- Just to See You Smile, 1998
- Please Remember Me, 1999
- Live Like You Were Dying, 2004
Essential Albums:
- Not a Moment Too Soon, 1994
- Everywhere, 1997
- A Place in the Sun, 1999
- Set This Circus Down, 2001
- Live Like You Were Dying, 2004
Next: #44. Glen Campbell
Previous: #46. Dwight Yoakam
100 Greatest Men: The Complete List
Friday, March 30th, 2012
Throw on your bedazzled boots – the 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards air live from Las Vegas this Sunday at 8 p.m. EST. The show promises to be a melting pot of performances, with oddball duets like Rascal Flatts and Steve Martin - and no, that’s not an April Fools joke. The CU staff picked and predicted the awards below. Tell us your thoughts, and check back for our live blog on Sunday night!
Entertainer of the Year
Should Win:
- Jason Aldean
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton
- Taylor Swift – Jonathan, Dan, Tara, Leeann, Kevin, Ben, Sam
Will Win:
- Jason Aldean – Sam
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton
- Taylor Swift – Jonathan, Dan, Tara, Kevin, Ben
Ben: Okay, so I was going to go with Aldean based on his massive success… but Swift’s music has just been too dang good lately.
Jonathan: Swift is the only one of the five who has released any music I really liked during the eligibility period; that fan voting is part of whatever mysterious algorithm is used to determine the winner of this award helps her case. I recognize that Aldean has a good look at this, too, but I’ll admit to just digging my heels in and refusing to get on board with the idea that he’s considered the standard-bearing artist in country music.
Tara: Swift released some of the best material of her career in the eligibility period, and her star seems as bright as it’s ever been. And while I can’t picture her losing something fan-voted, I wouldn’t be shocked if Aldean snuck up on her, especially given the secret fan / academy vote ratio. I just hope that this time next year, there are a few shake-ups in this category. I’m bored.
Dan: I like Swift the best, but can’t muster the energy to root actively against Aldean like I did with, say, Rascal Flatts.
Kevin: Aldean vs. Swift, with me erring on the side of the one who made more music that I liked this year.
Sam: Just a hunch, but the Taylor Swift voters might be as fanatical as usual because Carrie Underwood isn’t nominated for this award. That might give Aldean the chance to sneak in.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Should Win:
- Jason Aldean – Dan, Kevin, Sam
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton
- Chris Young – Ben, Jonathan, Tara
Will Win:
- Jason Aldean – Dan, Sam
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton – Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
- Chris Young
Dan: Aldean remains the hottest guy out there by a huge margin, and occasionally puts out something decent like “Fly Over States.” I’ll just keep picking him to win this until he does. La la la.
Ben: Aldean’s success speaks for itself, but I would really like to see Chris Young take this. He released a solid new album, remained a consistent hitmaker at radio, and has made the most music that I’ve actually cared about. But seeing as the industry award voters have been showing a lot of excessive Shelton love as of late, my gut says that Blake Shelton is going to get this. (There are no awards for TV Judge of the Year or Newlywed of the Year, so the ACM will probably give him this one instead)
Jonathan: So let’s talk about Chris Young for a minute. The guy has a fantastic voice, one of the strongest and most distinctive instruments to come down Music Row in a minute, and that alone is enough to elevate him above most of the other men who have scored major airplay in the past couple of years. But the discrepancy between the quality of Young’s vocal performances and the quality of the songs he’s performing is a problem, and here’s yet another instance of an artist with the potential to be really and truly great receiving a thumbs-up from the industry for work that’s just occasionally on the better side of okay. Where’s the incentive for someone like Young to be even better if he’s being recognized now? And what does it say that, despite his wildly uneven material, he’s far and away the class of this particular field of nominees?
Tara: I have to disagree with Jonathan on this one; I find Neon to be a refreshing, neo-traditional gem, more organic than it is uneven. In this stage of Young’s career, I view his body of work as a stepping stone and an indication of potential, and I have no issue with it being rewarded. But it won’t be; Mr. Lambert’s got the entertainment industry on lockdown. And I can’t say I really mind.
Kevin: Picking Aldean as the “should win” solely because he had the biggest year, though I suspect Shelton will win anyway.
Sam: I get the love for Miranda Lambert, but the Blake Shelton love is largely lost on me. Not a fan of Aldean either, but he’s due for this award.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Should Win:
- Sara Evans
- Miranda Lambert – Dan, Ben, Tara, Leeann, Sam
- Martina McBride
- Taylor Swift – Jonathan, Kevin
- Carrie Underwood
Will Win:
- Sara Evans
- Miranda Lambert – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Leeann, Sam
- Martina McBride
- Taylor Swift – Kevin
- Carrie Underwood
Dan: I think Swift has been the strongest solo act this past year, but Lambert released a decent fourth album and a terrific group one. With no place on the ballot to reward Pistol Annies (fix that, CMAs?), this’ll do.
Ben: Swift put out a string of very good singles, but… Four the Record + Pistol Annies = The Miranda Lambert love will be fully justified.
Jonathan: If we’re counting Pistol Annies, then I can absolutely see the case for Lambert and could be convinced to vote accordingly, and I think she still has the momentum to win here. If we’re just looking at solo material, though, I’m unapologetically sticking with Swift’s “Mean” and “Sparks Fly,” which trump anything that the other four women in the category released during the eligibility period. With Underwood having a new album to support and, hopefully, Kellie Pickler getting the recognition she deserves for her latest work, this category should be a hell of a lot more interesting and competitive come CMA time.
Tara: Swift delivered the better material, but Lambert delivered the better performances, Hell On Heels notwithstanding. By my definition of FVOTY, this should go to Lambert. (And I’m stoked for the fall award season, too.)
Leeann: I have no real reason to believe that the Academy would take this from Lambert this year.
Kevin: Can you believe that Swift is the only nominee who hasn’t won this yet? I know Lambert should be the favorite, especially given the ACM’s fondness for her. But I can’t shake the feeling that she’s lost some momentum with her latest project.
Sam: Miranda will continue to own this category until someone like Carrie Underwood steps up with a new album.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Should Win
- Love and Theft
- Montgomery Gentry
- Steel Magnolia
- Sugarland – Leeann
- Thompson Square – Dan, Ben, Tara
Will Win:
- Love and Theft
- Montgomery Gentry
- Steel Magnolia
- Sugarland – Dan, Ben, Leeann, Kevin
- Thompson Square – Jonathan, Tara, Sam
Ben: The Civil Wars are really the only duo I’ve cared about this past year, but they have been stupidly excluded in favor of Love and Theft (who only released one mediocre single in the past year), so I’m going with Thompson Square instead. They’ve been doing well at radio, and their music has not been terribly grating, but I’m pretty sure that the ACM will remain stuck on Sugarland.
Dan: With The Civil Wars absent from ACM’s roster and Sugarland having a messy year across the board, Thompson Square seems like the last band standing. And they’re cute, right?
Jonathan: The song remains the same: This category should’ve been merged with Vocal Group of the Year eons ago to trim the fat. Given that the ACMs are still ostensibly more radio-oriented than the CMAs and that Sugarland have actively alienated radio with the god-awful singles from their god-awful album, I’m going to say that Thompson Square pull off the upset here. Just don’t ask me to hum or even to name more than one of their songs…
Tara: I honestly can’t muster an opinion. What’s Sugarland been up to these days, anyway?
Leeann: This category isn’t even worth comment this year.
Kevin: Saying somebody should win implies that I think there’s a worthy winner, so I’m just going to say that Sugarland will win.
Sam: No Bellamy Brothers nod? You mean country music actually had five legit nominees for a Duo award this year? Artistically, The Civil Wars and Foster & Lloyd would be the most deserving this year.
Vocal Group of the Year
Should Win:
- The Band Perry
- Eli Young Band
- Lady Antebellum
- Rascal Flatts
- Zac Brown Band – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Leeann, Kevin, Sam
Will Win:
- The Band Perry – Sam
- Eli Young Band
- Lady Antebellum – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Leeann, Kevin
- Rascal Flatts
- Zac Brown Band
Ben: I’ve tried to hold out hope that the award industries would lay off the ridiculous Lady A adoration, but the CMAs and Grammys have shown me otherwise.
Jonathan: No reason to think the ACMs will break the trend of giving unearned trophies to the C students in the class.
Tara: I remain firmly in ZBB’s corner; the band produced my favorite single of 2011. But I would much, much prefer this award to go to the flavor of the month Eli Young Band than the flavor of the year Lady Antebellum.
Dan: I miss Little Big Town, but this is the first time in recent memory that this category has had five competitive groups. Like Aldean in the Male Vocalist race, Zac Brown Band sell as well as anyone and haven’t won yet, so I’ll probably keep picking them until they do, too. La la la x2.
Leeann: I’d love to see Zac Brown Band take it this year, but I don’t have enough faith that Lady A won’t just keep the award.
Kevin: Always gonna root for ZBB. Just losing hope that they’ll ever actually win.
Sam: ZBB is operating on a higher level than any other vocal group, but I’m alright with The Band Perry’s quirkiness getting some recognition.
New Artist of the Year
Should Win:
- Brantley Gilbert
- Hunter Hayes – Dan, Tara
- Scotty McCreery
Will Win:
- Brantley Gilbert
- Hunter Hayes
- Scotty McCreery – Ben, Dan, Jonathan, Tara, Leeann, Kevin, Sam
Dan: Of the three, I think Hayes has the most raw talent (played every instrument on his album!) and could one day be an interesting artist. So, vote of optimism! ;D
Ben: I think this will be between Gilbert and McCreery. My gut says Scotty McCreery “will” win, but this line-up is just too depressing for me to make a case for who “should” win. Dan makes a good point about Hunter Hayes though…
Jonathan: I can’t.
Tara: Uh…I guess this is as good a time as any to confess my love for “Storm Warning.”
Leeann: I don’t even have the heart to choose who I think should win, but I’m guessing the “American Idol” winner will win.
Kevin: New Coke >>>> New Artist of the Year.
Sam: This is fan voted, right? Well, if McCreery’s fans can vote him to win “American Idol”…
Album of the Year
Should Win:
- Eric Church, Chief – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Leeann, Kevin
- Miranda Lambert, Four The Record – Sam
- Kenny Chesney, Hemingway’s Whiskey
- Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party
- Lady Antebellum, Own The Night
Will Win:
- Eric Church, Chief
- Miranda Lambert, Four The Record
- Kenny Chesney, Hemingway’s Whiskey
- Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party – Dan, Ben, Sam
- Lady Antebellum, Own The Night – Jonathan, Tara, Leeann, Kevin
Ben: Eric Church edges out Miranda as my pick, but I’m fairly sure this will go to Aldean, and I refuse to predict that Lady Antebellum will win this.
Jonathan: I liked Lambert’s album exponentially less each time I listened to it, so I stopped listening to all but two of its tracks (“Fine Tune” and “Dear Diamond”) months ago to preserve at least some degree of fondness for it. Church’s album has some significant limitations of its own, but, song-for-song, it’s the strongest set in this line-up. I have no idea what I would ever actually say to a person who believes that Richard Marx’s Repeat Offender Amy Grant’s House of Love Lady Antebellum’s Own the Night scans as a country album in any substantive way, or that it’s the best country album of this or any year. But clearly there are people who do believe that, and recent history says there are enough of them for Lady A to win this.
Tara: It’s a toss up between Lambert and Church for me, with Church’s realized hard-assness giving Chief a slight edge. But it’s Lady A’s to lose – and I’m not sure anything in the industry has frustrated me more than their wins as of late. It’s worse than laughably unfair; it’s potential-threatening. And it has to stop.
Dan: When Church is bad, he’s cringe-worthy. When he’s good, he kicks most of the ass he told you he’d kick.
Leeann: I won’t be surprised if Lady A wins, but I’d love to see Eric Church win for the most interesting album of the bunch. I wouldn’t mind seeing Miranda Lambert win either.
Kevin: I just hope I’m wrong a lot this year.
Sam: Pretty sad when a “good for a Jason Aldean album” album beats out two superior albums from Church and Lambert, but I think that will be the case.
Single Record of the Year
Should Win:
- Eli Young Band, “Crazy Girl”
- Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
- Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”
- Chris Young, “Tomorrow”
- Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila” – Ben, Dan, Tara, Leeann, Kevin, Sam
Will Win:
- Eli Young Band, “Crazy Girl”
- Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Leeann, Kevin, Sam
- Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”
- Chris Young, “Tomorrow”
- Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
Ben: “Tequila” outclasses most of the field, though “Tomorrow” is also a solid contender. I get the novelty value of “Red Solo Cup,” but Single Record of the Year? Nah…
Jonathan: Even for a novelty song, I thought “Red Solo Cup” was poorly constructed and lazily written, but I kind of hope it wins, if only to prove that this year’s ACMs are just a straight-up farce.
Tara: I don’t love any of these, but “You and Tequila” is the only one I can imagine holding up in ten years.
Dan: Whatever.
Leeann: I can’t even believe “Red Solo Cup” is a contender! I’d love to see Kenny win for one of his best recordings, though I suspect Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson will win due to their cross genre appeal and all.
Kevin: Please let me be wrong a lot this year.
Sam: I will be rooting for “Red Solo Cup” and its inspired idiocy, but this could be part of Jason Aldean’s big night at the ACM.
Song of the Year
Should Win:
- “Crazy Girl” – Lee Brice & Liz Rose
- “Home” – Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley & Dan Wilson – Leeann
- “Just a Kiss” – Dallas Davidson, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott
- “Threaten Me With Heaven” – Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Dillon O’Brian & Will Owsley – Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
- “You and Tequila” – Matraca Berg & Deana Carter – Dan, Ben, Sam
Will Win:
- “Crazy Girl” – Lee Brice & Liz Rose
- “Home” – Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley & Dan Wilson – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Sam
- “Just a Kiss” – Dallas Davidson, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott – Kevin
- “Threaten Me With Heaven” – Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Dillon O’Brian & Will Owsley
- “You and Tequila” – Matraca Berg & Deana Carter – Leeann
Dan: “Home” has felt like awards bait to me since I first heard it. Me, I’m a “Tequila” guy.
Ben: Ditto to Dan.
Jonathan: As much as I’d like to see Berg and Carter pick up some new hardware, I’d still give the edge to Gill’s song. When “Home” does win, which I agree it will, I’ll just pretend it means that Jason Isbell has finally won a major industry award.
Tara: “Threaten Me With Heaven” is gorgeously written, but I won’t mind if (and when) “Home” takes the award. Country music could use a shot of graceful patriotism.
Leeann: I’m pleased to have three songs that I’d be happy to see win the award this year. I feel like either Chesney or Bentley will rightfully win…I hope so at least.
Kevin: Pretty please?
Video of the Year
Should Win:
- Eric Church, “Homeboy”
- Lady Antebellum, “Just a Kiss”
- Taylor Swift, “Mean” – Ben, Dan, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin, Sam
- Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”
- Jason Aldean, “Tattoos On This Town”
Will Win:
- Eric Church, “Homeboy”
- Lady Antebellum, “Just a Kiss”
- Taylor Swift, “Mean” – Kevin
- Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup” – Ben, Dan, Jonathan, Tara, Sam
- Jason Aldean, “Tattoos On This Town”
Ben: I could actually live with “Red Solo Cup” winning this, but I still enjoy “Mean” quite a bit more. Plus I kind of hate Lady Antebellum’s video for being nothing more than a glorified iPad commercial. I also think “Mean” deserved a nomination for Single Record of the Year, so I would like to see it acknowledged here. Still, I don’t think I can bet against “Red Solo Cup.”
Jonathan: That “Mean” didn’t score the Single and Song of the Year nominations with the ACMs that it has elsewhere seems revealing, with “Red Solo Cup” as the most likely beneficiary. I just hope that the faux gravitas of the “Homeboy” clip doesn’t give it any footing.
Tara: I’m equally disappointed that “Mean” didn’t snag a nomination for Single or Song of the Year. With the video almost as freshly produced as the single, it’s an easy one to root for in this category. I have no inkling as to who will win, but I’ll piggyback off of my co-bloggers on the frat party anthem.
Dan: I could do without how the “Mean” clip ends with a little girl idolizing Taylor Swift, but am I gonna vote against the country music video that had the anti-gay-bullying message? No, I’m not.
Kevin: I think the Swift clip has enough pizazz to triumph in the end over Toby’s YouTube video.
Vocal Event of the Year
Should Win:
- Aaron Lewis featuring George Jones & Charlie Daniels, “Country Boy”
- Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
- Brad Paisley featuring Alabama, “Old Alabama”
- Brad Paisley duet with Carrie Underwood, “Remind Me” – Tara, Kevin, Ben
- Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila” – Dan, Jonathan, Leeann, Sam
Will Win:
- Aaron Lewis featuring George Jones & Charlie Daniels, “Country Boy”
- Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” – Jonathan, Dan, Leeann, Kevin, Sam
- Brad Paisley featuring Alabama, “Old Alabama”
- Brad Paisley duet with Carrie Underwood, “Remind Me” – Tara, Ben
- Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
Jonathan: The Lewis track is one of the worst singles of the past five years or more, and its nomination is an indication of how deeply modern country music hates the actual traditions and values of the genre.
Tara: As middle-of-the-road as it is, something in the melody of “Remind Me” intrigues me. And I have a random feeling the voters will use this category to reward their dethroned male and female vocalists of the year.
Dan: It’ll be interesting to see if “Remind Me” can unseat “Don’t You Wanna St– oh, who am I kidding. Nothing is interesting anymore.
Leeann: Ugh. I pretty much know that Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson will win, but I’d love to be wrong. Meanwhile, I continue to faithfully root for the Chesney/Potter collaboration.
Kevin: I like my Vocal Events to be full-out Vocal Events, so I’m going for Paisley/Underwood over Chesney with backing vocals from Potter. The latter pair made the better record, though.
Ben: I’m with Tara and Kevin. “You and Tequila” is the best record overall, but that has more to do with Berg and Carter’s songwriting than with Potter’s contributions. “Remind Me” is the one that feels like an actual event.
Sam: Aldean & Clarkson outscreamed Paisley & Underwood, so they lay claim to the trophy. Chesney and Potter, what were you two thinking by just going out there and singing? Next time, I want to hear some wailing and primal screams, because that’s what makes for a successful duet these days.
17 Comments
Category ACM Awards
Tags: Aaron Lewis, Alabama, Amy Grant, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, Carrie Underwood, Charlie Daniels, Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Eli Young Band, George Jones, Grace Potter, Hunter Hayes, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Liz Rose, Love and Theft, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Scotty McCreery, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, Thompson Square, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, Zac Brown Band
Saturday, February 11th, 2012
The 54th annual GrammyAdele Awards air this Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern. Look for appearances by Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley and Lady Antebellum as well as country-ish performances by Jason Aldean, Glen Campbell (with the Band Perry and Blake Shelton), Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. We’ve picked and predicted the awards below – share your thoughts, and be sure to drop by on Sunday night for our live blog!
Album of the Year
Should Win
- Adele, 21 -Dan, Kevin, Ben, Tara, Sam
- Foo Fighters, Wasting Light
- Lady Gaga, Born this Way
- Bruno Mars, Doo-Wops & Hooligans
- Rihanna, Loud
Will Win
- Adele, 21 - Dan, Kevin, Ben, Tara, Sam
- Foo Fighters, Wasting Light
- Lady Gaga, Born this Way
- Bruno Mars, Doo-Wops & Hooligans
- Rihanna, Loud
Ben: Adele made some of the best and most memorable music of the year, and met with across-the-board critical and commercial success, so it’s hardly a stretch to say that she should and will emerge victorious here.
Tara: I don’t often agree with Bob Lefsetz, but his case for why 21 has resonated so well is spot on: “music trumps everything.” How true, and how refreshing that an album that embraced the hell out of this theme made such a commercial splash.
Sam: Lady Gaga is the only one of the nominees who can rival her for publicity in 2011, but Adele’s record sales should put her over the top. Oh, and it was a great record — not that that means anything where Grammy voters are concerned.
Dan: It helps that this is an especially lazy pool of nominees. 21 is certainly a strong album and a commercial landmark, but I do wish something like Kanye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy were here to help hold up the bar.
Kevin: Adele made the best album by a wide margin.
Record of the Year
Should Win
- Adele, “Rolling in the Deep” - Dan, Kevin, Ben, Tara, Sam
- Bon Iver, “Holocene”
- Bruno Mars, “Grenade”
- Mumford & Sons, “The Cave”
- Katy Perry, “Firework”
Will Win
- Adele, “Rolling in the Deep” - Dan, Kevin, Ben, Tara, Sam
- Bon Iver, “Holocene”
- Bruno Mars, “Grenade”
- Mumford & Sons, “The Cave”
- Katy Perry, “Firework”
Ben: The dramatic build-up nature, the simmering intensity, the all-guns-blazing chorus…“Rolling In the Deep” is all but untouchable.
Tara: As rousing a Top 40 hit as we’ve heard in years. I think we all know Adele will sweep.
Sam: I’m a Mumford & Sons fan, but it’s hard to top “Rolling in the Deep.” Anyone who votes for a Katy Perry song in this category should lose their Grammy voting rights permanently.
Dan: Long after it became overplayed, it was still more refreshing to me than everything else on the radio.
Kevin: Adele cut through the hype by being the best singer and the best songwriter. Amazing, isn’t it?
Song of the Year
Should Win
- “All of the Lights” – Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter & Kanye West - Dan
- “The Cave” – Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford & Country Winston
- “Grenade” – Brody Brown, Claude Kelly, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars & Andrew Wyatt
- “Holocene” – Justin Vernon
- “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth – Kevin, Ben, Tara
Will Win
- “All of the Lights” – Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter & Kanye West
- “The Cave” – Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford & Country Winston
- “Grenade” – Brody Brown, Claude Kelly, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars & Andrew Wyatt
- “Holocene” – Justin Vernon
- “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth - Dan, Kevin, Ben, Tara
Tara: “Rolling in the Deep” shines more as a record than as a composition, but it’s still memorable enough to nab this award, and I think it will.
Dan: Here’s where I’d love to see some variation. “All of the Lights” is a poetic, layered micro-drama. Plus, from a songwriting standpoint, I’ve never fully gotten over how “Rolling in the Deep” cribs its chorus from Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.”
Kevin: The British slang that the song is built around doesn’t stop “Rolling” from being the most universal of the five compositions.
Best New Artist
Should Win
- The Band Perry - Sam
- Bon Iver
- J. Cole – Tara
- Nicki Minaj – Dan, Kevin
- Skrillex
Will Win
- The Band Perry – Sam
- Bon Iver – Dan, Kevin, Tara
- J. Cole
- Nicki Minaj
- Skrillex
Tara: Bon Iver fits the Grammy mold the best. Personally, I’m not married to any of these acts, but I guess J. Cole piques my interest the most right now. This is totally one of those picks I’m going to regret in six months…
Sam: I think this one could be an upset win for the country world. “If I Die Young” was such an unexpected crossover hit, and I think it had more resonance than most other singles from the eligibility period. Plus the Band Perry is cuter than a basket full of puppies, which can only help them.
Dan: I think Bon Iver is the most fully realized act, and predict the band’s Song and Record nods will tip Grammy voters to vote for them like Adele’s did a few years ago. But Minaj’s potential excites me the most, and I had “Super Bass” on loop last year.
Kevin: Minaj is the most refreshing of the five, though Bon Iver’s the most Grammy-friendly.
Best Country Solo Performance
Should Win
- Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem”
- Martina McBride, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
- Blake Shelton, “Honey Bee”
- Taylor Swift, “Mean” - Dan, Kevin, Jonathan, Ben, Tara, Leeann, Sam
- Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”
Will Win
- Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem” – Sam
- Martina McBride, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
- Blake Shelton, “Honey Bee”
- Taylor Swift, “Mean” - Dan, Kevin, Jonathan, Ben, Tara, Leeann
- Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”
Ben: Swift outclasses the competition by miles.
Jonathan: A depressing line-up here, really. Swift’s single and performance are far and away the strongest of the five nominees, but she didn’t land the general field nominations that many people were expecting her to receive, so I do wonder if her support runs as deep this year as it did during the Fearless juggernaut. If she loses this one, I think it will be to the red-hot-but-I-don’t-get-it-at-all Aldean.
Tara: Embarrassing line-up. “Mean” is the only one that even comes close to Grammy worthy. I think Swift still has the voters on her side, but I could also see Aldean edging her out.
Sam: “Honey Bee?” “Dirt Road Anthem?” Really, Grammy voters? I guess we should be lucky they managed to put one good song in the category, even if it was probably an accident. However, I think voters are going to take a year off on the Swift love and give it to Aldean, because it’s the least country-sounding song in the category.
Dan: I could see Shelton’s familiarity prompting a win here, but suspect Grammy voters are still in Swift’s corner.
Kevin: They should just make the genre categories line up perfectly with the big three. This is really a race for Country Record of the Year anyway. Swift’s entry is the best.
Leeann: All of the songs on this are vanilla except for the Swift song, both in lyrics and execution. This is the inarguable standout song.
Best Country Duo / Group Performance
Should Win
- Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
- Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter, “You and Tequila” – Kevin, Leeann
- The Civil Wars, “Barton Hollow” - Dan, Jonathan, Ben, Tara, Sam
- Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not”
Will Win
- Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” - Dan, Jonathan, Ben, Tara, Leeann, Sam
- Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
- The Civil Wars, “Barton Hollow” – Kevin
- Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not”
Ben: It’s a super tough call for me to choose between The Civil Wars and Chesney and Potter. As much as I adore “You and Tequila,” I’m finally settling on The Civil Wars as my pick. However, I expect that Aldean and Clarkson will likely triumph over both.
Jonathan: Had the Civil Wars scored the Best New Artist nomination that they seemed primed for, I would be more bullish on their chances here. They’re still the only of the four nominees I’d even consider voting for, but Clarkson is the only proven Grammy commodity in this lot, and this is probably the least credibility-straining place to recognize Aldean.
Tara: Confession: I don’t really see the sparkle that others see in “You and Tequila.” The swampy “Barton Hollow” has my heart, but I think Aldean & Clarkson will have the Grammy voters’ hearts. And I’m always OK with a little K. Clarkson love.
Sam: “Barton Hollow” kicks the ass of every other song on the list, including the excellent Chesney/Potter collaboration, and if Grammy voters actually listened to the songs they vote for, it would probably win. However, the Aldean/Clarkson screamfest has the benefit of Kelly Clarkson’s name recognition and Aldean’s current popularity.
Dan: The Civil Wars wail like mad dogs on their track. But Aldean and Clarkson are both having a moment right now.
Kevin: The Civil Wars seem like Grammy catnip.
Leeann: My vote goes for the Chesney/Potter collaboration or The Civil Wars song, but I won’t be surprised if it goes to the powerhouse duet of Aldean and Clarkson based on crossover appeal. I hope, however, that it turns out that I’m not giving the Grammy voters enough credit.
Best Country Song
Should Win
- “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” – Jim Collins & David Lee Murphy
- “God Gave Me You” – Dave Barnes
- “Just Fishin’” – Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell & Ed Hill
- “Mean” – Taylor Swift - Dan, Ben, Tara, Sam
- “Threaten Me With Heaven” – Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Will Owsley & Dillon O’Brian - Kevin, Jonathan, Leeann
- “You and Tequila” – Matraca Berg & Deana Carter
Will Win
- “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” – Jim Collins & David Lee Murphy
- “God Gave Me You” – Dave Barnes
- “Just Fishin’” – Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell & Ed Hill
- “Mean” – Taylor Swift - Dan, Kevin, Jonathan, Ben, Tara, Leeann
- “Threaten Me With Heaven” – Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Will Owsley & Dillon O’Brian – Sam
- “You and Tequila” – Matraca Berg & Deana Carter
Ben: Gill’s “Threaten Me with Heaven” is mature and beautifully written, but ultimately, my heart still belongs to “Mean.”
Jonathan: Gill has a real shot at this because it’s the Grammys so Gill always has a real shot at anything he’s nominated for. He’d be a worthy winner here, too, as would “You and Tequila” or the more likely winner, “Mean.”
Tara: I wrestle with this one, but I think the freshness of “Mean” gives it an edge over Gill’s track for me. Gill could easily take this given he’s Grammy royalty, but I’ll predict the voters will stick with Swift.
Sam: It’s Vince Gill in a Grammy category. That’s why.
Dan: I’d be happy with any of those last three. Honestly, I even half-like “Just Fishin’” and “God Gave Me You” as songs.
Kevin: Can’t believe that Gill’s composition got a nod. I like Swift’s record the most, but as a song, “Threaten Me With Heaven” is jaw-droppingly good.
Leeann: I’d love to see Vince win another grammy, but I won’t be surprised or too disappointed if Swift takes this one.
Best Country Album
Should Win
- Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party
- Eric Church, Chief - Jonathan, Tara, Leeann
- Lady Antebellum, Own the Night
- Blake Shelton, Red River Blue
- George Strait, Here For a Good Time - Kevin, Ben
- Taylor Swift, Speak Now – Sam
Will Win
- Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party – Dan
- Eric Church, Chief
- Lady Antebellum, Own the Night - Tara
- Blake Shelton, Red River Blue
- George Strait, Here For a Good Time
- Taylor Swift, Speak Now - Kevin, Jonathan, Ben, Leeann, Sam
Ben: Church, Strait, and Swift have the three best albums, and of those three, Strait’s Here for a Good Time is the most fully realized, but I would expect that Swift’s crossover appeal and high sales numbers will lead voters to gravitate toward Speak Now.
Jonathan: The nomination for Lady Antebellum’s godawful album represents Grammy voting at its laziest. I don’t care how many people bought Own the Night: It’s terrible and, at some point, the over-rewarding of Lady A for their aggressively middlebrow, banal music has to stop. Church’s album would get my vote over Strait’s by just a hair and, even though I would’ve nominated it for Best Pop Album instead, Speak Now is Swift’s strongest set to date, so I won’t complain too loudly when she wins here.
Tara: Chief packs a killer, audacious punch…but I have this sinking feeling that Lady A will pull a repeat in this category. Look – I was (and probably still am) Lady A’s biggest advocate at Country Universe, but I can’t get behind the overblown success of their degenerating music. How will they ever be motivated to live up to the massive potential shown on Lady Antebellum if we keep rewarding them like this?
Sam: Quality-wise, Speak Now edges out Chief, though I think Chief deserves some recognition for its ambition. Speak Now was a commercial and an artistic triumph, though the only concern is that it was released so long ago that its impact may have faded from the voters’ memories. That might open the door for Lady Antebellum to win, which would be a shame. While I actually kind of liked Own the Night, there are three albums better than it in the category.
Kevin: Strait just keeps getting better lately. I think he’d win if it wasn’t for category crossover votes for Swift.
Leeann: I wish I cared about this category more this year than I actually do. It’s likely that either Strait or Swift will win the award, but I think Church’s album is the most interesting.
Best Americana Album
Should Win
- Linda Chorney, Emotional Jukebox
- Ry Cooder, Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down
- Emmylou Harris, Hard Bargain - Jonathan
- Levon Helm, Ramble at the Ryman
- Lucinda Williams, Blessed
Will Win
- Linda Chorney, Emotional Jukebox
- Ry Cooder, Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down
- Emmylou Harris, Hard Bargain
- Levon Helm, Ramble at the Ryman – Dan
- Lucinda Williams, Blessed - Jonathan, Ben, Sam
Jonathan: Of the four veterans nominated, only Harris’ album is anywhere close to her best work, but that rarely matters much. The vitriol directed at Chorney and her exploiting of NARAS’s new social networking initiatives to garner her nomination has reflected very, very poorly on a whole lot of Americana fans and has perpetuated an ugly “us-versus-them” attitude, but there’s no dressing up how poor Chorney’s album actually is, either. But she’s also the only one of the five nominees that anyone has been talking about during the entirety of the voting period… I give the edge to Williams on sales stats alone, but there’s really no frontrunner here.
Sam: Should win: Hayes Carll, KMAG YOYO and other American Stories (yeah, I know it wasn’t nominated). I actually kind of hope that Linda Chorney wins. For one thing, the outcry would be phenomenal. For another, it might shed some light on just how the voting is done, and is there a better way to do it. Do the voters know what Americana music is? Did they listen to any of the albums? I have nothing against any of the nominees, but Hayes Carll released one of the best albums of the year and had no chance in competing against legends like Emmylou, Ry Cooder and Levon Helm. Of the four legitimate nominees, Williams has gone the longest between Grammy wins, so maybe it’s her turn.
Dan: Levon has won for his last two albums. This one is a live set, so Lucinda could definitely unseat him, but still.
Best Bluegrass Album
Should Win
- Alison Krauss and Union Station, Paper Airplane
- Jim Lauderdale, Reason and Rhyme
- Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Rare Bird Alert – Sam
- The Del McCoury Band, Old Memories: The Songs of Bill Monroe
- Ralph Stanley, A Mother’s Prayer
- Chris Thile and Michael Staves, Sleep With One Eye Open – Jonathan
Will Win
- Alison Krauss and Union Station, Paper Airplane - Jonathan, Dan, Ben, Tara, Sam
- Jim Lauderdale, Reason and Rhyme
- Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Rare Bird Alert
- The Del McCoury Band, Old Memories: The Songs of Bill Monroe
- Ralph Stanley, A Mother’s Prayer
- Chris Thile and Michael Staves, Sleep With One Eye Open
Ben: I have no rationale for who should win, but I think we all know who will.
Jonathan: I can’t think of anything more foolhardy than betting against Alison Krauss at the Grammys.
Tara: What Ben said.
Sam: Honestly, I thought Krauss’ Paper Airplane was kind of tepid, while Rare Bird Alert was charming and energetic. Still, Krauss is the Jimmy Sturr of the Grammy bluegrass categories (all the polka fans should get that reference), so unless the voters decide to give Martin a lifetime achievement award of sorts, she’s got this one in the bag.
Dan: Steve Martin’s got a chance, but…
Best Folk Album
Should Win
- The Civil Wars, Barton Hollow – Leeann
- Steve Earle, I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive - Jonathan, Sam
- Fleet Foxes, Hopelessness Blues
- Eddie Vedder, Ukelele Songs
- Gillian Welch, The Harrow & The Harvest
Will Win
- The Civil Wars, Barton Hollow - Jonathan, Ben
- Steve Earle, I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive - Dan
- Fleet Foxes, Hopelessness Blues
- Eddie Vedder, Ukelele Songs - Leeann, Sam
- Gillian Welch, The Harrow & The Harvest
Ben: If my prediction of an Aldean-Clarkson victory for Duo/Group Performance comes true, I would expect that this is where voters will recognize The Civil Wars.
Jonathan: If NARAS were really committed to the idea of reducing the number of categories, they’d merge the Americana and Folk Album categories with Best Country Album and, considering how fast and loose they’re already playing with genre tags, they probably should do just that and let the chips fall where they may. Welch’s album is the only one of the five that really scans as “folk” music in any traditional sense, so who wins here will depend on whether or not voters are looking for something more traditional or contemporary. I’m guessing it’s the latter case, to the benefit of the Civil Wars.
Sam: Steve Earle released his best album in years with I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive. The love songs were tender, the topical songs were sharp and insightful, and there weren’t any love songs about Condoleezza Rice. Eddie Vedder, on the other hand, is in Pearl Jam, so clearly he’s the odds-on favorite. Actually, Ukelele Songs got some pretty good reviews, and if Vedder’s vocals didn’t remind me so much of Bob Dylan’s current voice crossed with an injured goat, I might be more inclined to like it.
Dan: I can imagine a Fleet Foxes or Civil Wars win, but in the end, I’m still guessing Earle, the proven Grammy favorite.
Leeann: It’s sad that I care about this category far more than the Country Album category this year. I love The Civil Wars album the most, but the Welch, Vedder and Earl albums are great too. I’ll be happy to see any of them win, but I have a strange feeling that Vedder will take it.
2 Comments
Category Grammys
Tags: Adele, Alison Krauss, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Deana Carter, Emmylou Harris, Eric Church, George Strait, Grace Potter, Jason Aldean, Jim Lauderdale, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Lucinda Williams, Martina McBride, Matraca Berg, Mumford & Sons, Ralph Stanley, Steve Earle, Steve Martin, Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, The Civil Wars, The Del McCoury Band, Thompson Square, Vince Gill
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