Some artists have departed their labels, such as Mark Chesnutt, Wade Hayes, Kathy Mattea, and Randy Travis.

Then, there is Joe Diffie who asked Epic to be able to talk to other record companies to see if he could find a greener pasture than Epic's willingness to keep him as a priority act. When he didn't find anything worth pursuing, went back to Epic, who gave him a multi-year contract. Strange things are happening indeed.

So, what can we expect from a genre that doesn't truly have a unique sound? More pop-country artists? Or will country traditionalists such as Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, and George Strait bring the music back to its roots?

I personally think with all the major name artists that have cut back or totally ceased touring for 2001, it's going to be up to the newcomers to shape the music, and make it continue to grow. And truly, isn't that the way it should be? So, look for artists such as Brad Paisley, Eric Heatherly, Clay Davidson, Darryl Worley, Chad Brock, Chris Cagle, keith urban, Phil Vassar, Jamie O'Neal, Jo Dee Messina, Lee Ann Womack, Sara Evans, and Carolyn Dawn Johnson to keep country on its toes in 2001.