Wow! Some people saw it coming, while others, including myself, predicted that Music City's political machine might make Taylor Swift pay a few more dues before giving her the big tamale, the CMA for Entertainer of the Year. How wrong I was! But I was happy for her, and there's simply no denying that based on sales, radio airplay, concert sell-outs, television appearances, you name it, she's definitely at the top of the heap in country music.
Taylor's big night started early when she took home the coveted Album of the Year award, which Nashville insiders really hold in high esteem as the one award given for true artistic integrity. When Taylor won that trophy, I had an inkling that she was in for a landslide victory. Oh, and how great was it when Little Jimmy Dickens crashed the stage ala Kanye West and dissed Brad Paisley on his way to fawning all over Taylor! Classic.
At age 19, Taylor became the youngest person ever named the CMA Entertainer of the Year. "In this moment, everything I have ever wanted just happened to me," a stunned Taylor told the crowd. She then invited her band onto the stage and recognized each of them by name, which was a nice touch.
The other big surprise of the evening was Lady Antebellum taking home a couple of major awards, including Single of the Year and an upset victory in the Vocal Group of the Year category, a trophy that was in danger of being re-named the Rascal Flatts Award after their six consecutive victories before last night.
Beyond the hilarious Little Jimmy Dickens poke at Kanye West, my personal favorite moments included the Zac Brown Band's performance of Charlie Daniels' classic song, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," as well as Jamey Johnson's acceptance speech where he meekly admitted that he "didn't think they even let people like me into places like this." Another performance I really enjoyed was Lady Antebellum singing "Need You Now" with snow falling from the rafters of the Nashville's Sommet Center.
I'd love to hear what your personal highlights were for the show, as well as how you thought Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood did as co-hosts.
Photo © Big Machine Records
Comments
I’m glad she won it all. The teens love her! The girls all want her hair; she’s beautiful inside and out, and she writes her own stuff. What a concept. It’s a fairy tale ending; happily ever after; it’s okay for a kid to win every now and again. And, thank you for not whining like everyone else about Wynonna’s sour grape comments, and how the rest of the Country Music veterans are disappointed that Taylor won. Taylor’s a money machine! From sold out concerts, hosting SNL and now the infamous Kayne, Taylor’s going down in history!
OH come on! She was the OPENING act for the other artists. Her singing leaves something to be desired, listen to her live singing at the show. Can she play ANY other instruments? NO! As far as I’m concerned this smells of “PAYOLA”. Now that is a term you haven’t heard of since the 1950’s. IF anyone should have won, it should have been Keith Urban. He can play numerous instruments, puts on a great show, and writes some of his own music.
Country Music Awards wasn’t worth watching. What a joke that Taylor Swift won! She can’t sing worth a dime and I imagine that those that have the talent was sick to their stomachs after the award. I know I was……
What a farce the CMA awards to the nt (no talent) Taylor. Anyone can throw furniture, slide down a pole , roll on the floor, pull hair and sing (?) off key. Entertainer of the year…maybe. Female Vocalist of the Year ..NO way. The other four ladies all can sing circles around TS. It is nice to have a “big machine” behind you pulling strings. TS is not a true country singer, much of her fan base comes from other areas.
Forgive me my friends, I really think that country music was murdered!!, where are?? the artists like Patty Loveless, Vince Gill Alan Jackson!!… country music has become rock a shame!! where are the violin guitar banjo!!… now there remains only the intact bluegrass. is finally Alan Jackson, George Strait and Lee Ann Womack were right to say:
Nobody saw them running
From 16th Avenue
They never found the fingerprints
Or the weapon that was used
But someone killed country music
Cut out its heart and soul
They got away with murder
Down on music row
The almight dollar
And the lust for worldwide fame
Slowly killed tradition
And for that, someone shouldhang (”Ahh, you tell ‘em Alan”)
They all say “Not Guilty!”
But the evidence will show
That murder was committed
Down on music row
For the steel guitars no longer cry
And the fiddles barely play
But drums and rock ‘n’ roll guitars
Are mixed up in your face
Ol’ Hank wouldn’t have a chance
On today’s radio
Since they committed murder
Down on music row
They thought no one would miss it
Once it was dead and gone
They said no one would buy them ol’
Drinkin’ and cheatin’ songs (”Oh, but I still buy ‘em”)
Well there ain’t no justice in it
And the hard facts are cold
Murder’s been committed
Down on music row
For the steel guitars no longer cry
And you can’t hear fiddles play
With drums and rock ‘n’ roll guitars
Mixed right up in your face
Why the Hag wouldn’t have a chance
On today’s radio
Since they committed murder
Down on music row
Why they even tell the Possum
To pack up and go back home
There’s been an awful murder
Down on music row
Taylor is just a fad. She really does not have a very good voice. I thought the writing for the co-hosts was great. Most award shows have very cheesy lines for the co-hosts but my wife and I were literally laughing out loud at some of the humor. We really enjoyed the show and think the CMA’s are top notch for award shows.
I think the main thing here is money. Taylor is selling right now and is bringing in the money. I think she is a good singer but not get the top award. She really hasn’t paid her dues. It is getting to be a popularity contest. Give me the good counrty music like, Tammy Wynette, Johk Cash, Loretta Lynn, Conwasy and etc.
Country msic has changed.
Lots of today’s singers don’t last very long or are well know by everyone.
Taylor stole those CMAs she won – stole them from worthier nominees. She can’t sing for her life, but I understand her appeal because she’s singing to teenage girls about their angst and desires. Nothing wrong with that, but she’s strictly pop. Not one country note in her. Radio and Music Row have embraced her because of money. The music business is in a recession and she’s bringing money to them. No new fans, mind you. Those girls who follow her won’t buy country music from anyone else, just her. Once she fades away, they’ll drop her like a hot potato – and not a moment too soon it will be!!
Taylor Swift =teeny POP simalar to Miley Cyrus Disney style manufactured artists.
Whether or not you like Taylor Swift, you have to admit she definitely entertains a crowd. She writes HER OWN music and has full artistic control over ALL of her concerts. She is one talented, creative, young lady. She designs some of her own clothing and will soon be writing a line of greeting cards for American Greetings. She is a good actress as proven on CSI, Las Vegas. Don’t knock her because she’s young. She IS talented whether you want to admit it or not. Yes, the others are talented too, but Taylor does play to the teens and she SELLS albums and concert tickets.