Best of Country Music in 2007

Hands down, there isn't another festival that can top the CMA Music Festival. Held each year since 1971 in a variety of locations. It has had a home in downtown Nashville since 2004, and attendance grows each year. Fans can meet many of their favorite stars and get autographs at the daily signings at the Convention Center, and catch live shows from 9 in the morning til after midnight. Many stars hold fan club parties, where they interact with their fans, pose for pictures, sign autographs, and open themselves to fan questions. Just a wonderful time to be had. Not only music, but sports, and in 2007, there was even a fashion show, with country stars modeling the clothes. Make sure you go at least once. You won't be sorry.

I have to say my favorite Award Show moment had to be Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, in receiving the Horizon Award at the 2007 CMA Awards, when she said "this has definitely been the highlight of my senior year." Too cute!

Josh Turner's induction on October 25, 2007 was a moment to remember. He was able to have his family present, and his wife up on stage with him as he received the trophy that is made from the original pews from the Ryman. Definitely a touching moment for him, and my favorite of the year.

I'm sure I'll have a lot of people disagreeing with me on this, but this is my list, so I get to post my own personal favorites. Anyone who has read my "Hot Country Songs" chart knows I mentioned this song as my favorite on the charts nearly every week that it was on the chart, so it should come as no suprise that it is noted here as my favorite of 2007. This song has always touched me, and after the suicide of their former bandmember Patrick Bourque, this song has an even deeper meaning.

There are so many great videos coming out all the time, but none that touched me as much as this one. Jennifer Nettles' raw performance of this song about the "other woman" deciding that she's not going to continue being used, and telling the man to stay with his wife. Every time I see it, I cry. Watch a clip of the video.

I didn't see as many shows in 2007 as I did in 2006, but the ones I saw were all amazing, and it was hard to choose. Still, I have to give it to Tim and Faith. I especially love tours in the round, and we had really good seats for the show. These two are magic when they sing together, and equally fantastic apart. I believe it was the last time they would be touring together for a while, so I'm so glad I got to witness this fantastic show. AboutCountry's Bobbi Smith saw the show in Toronto, and was equally enamored.

Chris usually dresses very casual, but he styled himself up a bit for the ACM Awards. Not to the point of wearing a tux, which would look silly for him to wear, but this nice jacket was a nice mix of styles. Urban chic?

Carrie Underwood always dresses in a classy manner. She wears clothes that flatter her figure and coloring, and that's more than I can say for some artists on the red carpet at various award shows (not speaking specifically of country stars). This picture is of her at the CMA Awards during her performance. She looked equally elegant on the red carpet, dripping in diamonds and wearing a lovely cream colored sleeveless floor length dress. If you click on the "More Info" link, it will take you to our CMA Style feature, and you can view that and other artist's on the red carpet at the CMA Awards.

I think Josh Turner is getting better with every album he's putting out. He actually put out two albums in 2007. His other release was a Cracker Barrel Live album, taped at the Ryman auditorium. That's excellent as well.

Miranda held the No. 1 spot on my Top 10 list from the minute I received her album. I just love what she did here. She has songs with attitute, but she also includes songs that show her softer, more vulnerable side. I especially love her cover of Emmylou Harris' "Easy From Now On."