It’s that moment you’ve all been waiting for. It’s time for the… Country Music Awards? Okay, perhaps not all of our audience loves the Tim McGraws, Taylor Swifts and Rascal Flatts of the world. But there’s one thing that can’t be denied: country music is arguably bigger and more mainstream than ever.
Wednesday night, the 43rd Annual Country Music Association Awards (seems like unnecessary alliteration, doesn’t it?) will take center stage live at Nashville’s Sommet Center. Hosted by country stars Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley, the awards show will feature the biggest and brightest of the genre.
Up for the coveted “Entertainer of the Year” are the cowboy-hat donning Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and George Strait, Nicole Kidman’s husband Keith Urban, and the aforementioned Taylor Swift. Swift will be the first woman nominated in the Entertainer category since Faith Hill in 2000. Look here for a full list of CMA nominees and their respective categories.
One of the more interesting stories of the night will come as Darius Rucker (whom people still refer to as “Hootie” from Hootie and the Blowfish) vies for two awards, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. His debut country album Learn to Live’s success (over 1 million copies sold) has earned him a chance to become only the second African-American to win the Male Vocalist award.
Along with other feats, Rucker’s accomplishment along with genre crossing Taylor Swift’s break into superstardom (that was made possible thanks to Shania Twain) have brought country artists alongside current mainstream acts at the forefront of music.
You’ll also literally see that combination onstage Wednesday night as Chesney will play with Dave Matthews, Vince Gill will appear with Daughtry, and Jamey Johnson will welcome Kid Rock.
Being non-ingratiated into the country scene, I have a few completely random and ultimately baseless comments on the night’s frivolities. I won’t waste your time or mine making predictions.
If Taylor Swift doesn’t win everything she’s up for, something’s wrong. Seriously, do you remember anyone as adorable, darling and sweet as Swift? Sure her music isn’t completely unique, but she’s one of those genre transcendent artists that blur all the formative lines. And after all the crap she’s been through (lookin’ at you, Yeezy), she deserves some love from her kind.
Go Darius Rucker! I’ll freely admit I’ve barely listed to his solo country effort, but it’s impressive as all get-out that he can jump from one musical career into another that’s in a totally different sect. Kudos goes out to Hootie.
Kid Rock makes me want to avoid the telecast. A steady flow of Carrie Underwood onscreen on the other hand, does not.
Reba McEntire is up for Female Vocalist of the Year. She’s been sassin’ and kickin’ for over three decades in the business and is still at the top of her game. Well done Miss McEntire.
What are your thoughts on the impending CMA Awards?
(Ed. Note: A College News writer is at the CMA’s, and will have a recap of all she saw for us next week)
