View Full Version : CMA nominations 2006
Here are the nominations for the Main categories:
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brooks and Dunn
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
Keith Urban
Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisely
Keith Urban
Female Vocalist of the Year
Carrie Underwood
Sara Evans
Faith Hill
Gretchen Wilson
Martina McBride
Album of the Year
Brooks and Dunn
Rascal Flatts
Alan Jackson
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Vocal Group of the Year
Alison Krauss and Union Station
Little Big Town
Lonestar
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
RKSTFan
08-30-2006, 11:36am
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brooks and Dunn
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
Keith Urban
Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisely
Keith Urban
Female Vocalist of the Year
Carrie Underwood
Sara Evans
Faith Hill
Gretchen Wilson
Martina McBride
Album of the Year
"HillBilly Deluxe" - Brooks & Dunn
"Precious Memories" - Alan Jackson
"The Road & the Radio" - Kenny Chesney
"Time Well Wasted" - Brad Paisley
"Me & My Gang" - Rascal Flatts
Vocal Group of the Year
Alison Krauss and Union Station
Little Big Town
Lonestar
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Single of the Year
"Believe" - Brooks & Dunn
"Better Life" - Keith Urban
"Jesus Take the Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
"Summertime" - Kenny Chesney
"When I Get Where I'm Going" - Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton
Song of the Year - (award goes to the song's writers)
"8th of November" - Big & Rich
"Believe" - Brooks & Dunn
"Jesus Take the Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
"Tonight I Wanna Cry" - Keith Urban
"When I Get Where I'm Going" - Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton
Video of the Year
"8th of November" - Big & Rich
"Believe" - Brooks & Dunn
"Jesus Take the Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
"Kerosene" - Miranda Lambert
"When I Get Where I'm Going" - Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton
Musical Event of the Year
"Building Bridges" - Brooks & Dunn with Sheryl Crow & Vince Gill
"Like We Never Loved At All" - Faith Hill with Tim McGraw
"Politically Uncorrect"- Gretchen Wilson with Merl Haggard
"When I Get Where I'm Going" - Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton
"Who Says You Can't Go Home" - Bon Jovi with Jennifer Nettles
Horizon Award
Miranda Lambert
Little Big Town
Sugarland
Josh Turner
Carrie Underwood
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry
Van Zant
The Wreckers
Musician of the Year
Eddie Bayers
Jerry Douglas
Paul Franklin
Dan Huff
Brent Mason
Randy Scruggs
Hall of Fame Inductees
Harold Bradley
Sonny James
George Strait
MiniShaniaTwain
08-30-2006, 12:39pm
I can't believe Terri Clark's not nominated for anything! She should at least be nominated for female vocalist! She's got an awesome new CD that came out last fall, and it isn't her fault her 1st 2 singles from that CD flopped on the charts!
shaniatfan
08-30-2006, 1:34pm
I am ticked off that the Dixie Chicks don't have a nomination there CD "Taking The Long Raod" has sold more then some of the CD's on there. And why aren't they up for Vocal Group, they have been out most of the year and groups like Lonestar who has not released anything all year (until about1-1 1/2 month ago) and Allison Krauss and Union Station haven't really been real big this year, yea they have released and all but they don't sell all that well. But i am upset that the Chicks got shunned this year at the CMA's. They aren't getting the reconition they deserve, and the CMA's need to appreciate all the artsit in the genre not just their favorites (Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Brooks And Dunn). And also Toby Keith isn't nominated for anything. He should be up for Male vocalist not Alan Jackson (i have nothing against Alan but all he's released all year is gospel music). The CMA's aren't even right anymore.
They are going to be some close calls in some of these catergories.
twaintrain
08-30-2006, 2:02pm
The Dixie Chicks and LeAnn Rimes got snubbed. I figured on both, but I just can't see how LeAnn can have such a comeback with "This Woman" and 3 hit singles and not receive a nomination. She had more success this year than Gretchen and Sara.
Anyway, here are my faves:
Entertainer of the Year
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban
Male Vocalist of the Year
Brad Paisely
Keith Urban
Female Vocalist of the Year
Carrie Underwood
Album of the Year
"Time Well Wasted" - Brad Paisley
Vocal Group of the Year
Alison Krauss and Union Station
Single of the Year
"Jesus Take the Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
Song of the Year - (award goes to the song's writers)
"Jesus Take the Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
Video of the Year
"Jesus Take the Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
Musical Event of the Year
"Like We Never Loved At All" - Faith Hill with Tim McGraw
"When I Get Where I'm Going" - Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton
Horizon Award
Carrie Underwood
Vocal Duo of the Year
The Wreckers
Musician of the Year
Jerry Douglas
I thought it was a very bland year in country music all-in-all. The next big releases will come this fall.
On previous years I could even try and predict some of the winners, but this year I feel nobody's done anything, so it's anybody's game.
shaniatfan
08-30-2006, 4:58pm
My favorites...
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Rascal Flatts
Male Vocalist of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Female Vocalist of the Year
Carrie Underwood
Faith Hill
Album of the Year
"The Road & the Radio" - Kenny Chesney
"Me & My Gang" - Rascal Flatts
Vocal Group of the Year
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Single of the Year
"Jesus Take the Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
"Summertime" - Kenny Chesney
Song of the Year - (award goes to the song's writers)
"8th of November" - Big & Rich
"Tonight I Wanna Cry" - Keith Urban
Video of the Year
"8th of November" - Big & Rich
"Jesus Take the Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
Musical Event of the Year
"Like We Never Loved At All" - Faith Hill with Tim McGraw
"Who Says You Can't Go Home" - Bon Jovi with Jennifer Nettles
Horizon Award
Sugarland
Carrie Underwood
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
I thought it was a very bland year in country music all-in-all. The next big releases will come this fall.
On previous years I could even try and predict some of the winners, but this year I feel nobody's done anything, so it's anybody's game.
I totaly agree.
twaintrain
08-30-2006, 7:24pm
I thought it was a very bland year in country music all-in-all. The next big releases will come this fall.
On previous years I could even try and predict some of the winners, but this year I feel nobody's done anything, so it's anybody's game.
That's because there was NO SHANIA!!!!!!:p
The only huge hit was Carrie's "Jesus Take The Wheel." :)
The only huge hit was Carrie's "Jesus Take The Wheel." :)I'd expect that song to take home a few. When was it released again? I feel like it might have been nominated last year also? :huh:
twaintrain
08-30-2006, 10:12pm
I'd expect that song to take home a few. When was it released again? I feel like it might have been nominated last year also? :huh:
It wasn't nominated last year. It had just come out when they held the awards and she sang it on there (best performance of the night;)). I hope she wins!
I will make my choices Tommorrow.
Ronnie Dunn tops CMA nominations
Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn each receive six nods for country awards
NEW YORK - Brooks & Dunn and Brad Paisley were both nominated for six Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday, but Ronnie Dunn emerged as the leader with seven nominations, including one for the group’s inspirational song “Believe.”
Both Paisley and Brooks & Dunn were nominated for entertainer of the year, single of the year and album of the year, among other nominations. For Paisley, who was nominated for six Academy of Country Music Awards earlier this year, the CMA nominations underscore his hot streak.
“It has felt like a really good year, and getting these nominations, it feels really good because it feels like (I’ve) sort of grown into these clothes a little more, and that to me is one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had,” Paisley said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.
Other multiple nominees included Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, who had four each.
Rascal Flatts and Dolly Parton, who sang with Paisley on his tear-jerker hit “When I Get Where I’m Going,” were both nominated for three awards.
Nominees in the first five categories were announced by Paisley and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, another CMA nominee, live on ABC’s “Good Morning America” in New York. The rest of the nominees were announced later in the morning by Jason Aldean and Little Big Town in Nashville, Tenn.
Both “Believe” and “When I Get Where I’m Going” are tunes that reference the afterlife and a person’s waning moments on Earth; both were nominated for single of the year as well.
“I think it’s something that really relates to people who have ever lost someone,” Paisley said of his song. “It really captures that universal emotion that you’re trying to catch, that you really want people to share with people when you are singing it.”
Other nominees for single of the year include Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel,” “Summertime” by Chesney and “Better Life” by Urban.
More nominations
The nominees for the songwriter’s award in the song of the year category are “8th of November,” by Big & Rich; “Believe,” by Craig Wiseman and Ronnie Dunn; “Jesus Take the Wheel,” written by Hillary Lindsey, Brett James and Gordie Sampson; “Tonight I Wanna Cry,” written by Urban and Monty Powell; and “When I Get Where I’m Going,” by Rivers Rutherford and George Teren.
Nominees for album of the year are Brooks & Dunn for “Hillbilly Deluxe,” Rascal Flatts for “Me and My Gang,” Alan Jackson for “Precious Memories,” Paisley for “Time Well Wasted” and Chesney for “The Road and the Radio.”
The male-centric field of nominees for entertainer of the year include Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Chesney, Paisley and last year’s winner, Urban.
Nominees for female vocalist of the year are Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Faith Hill, Sara Evans and Martina McBride.
For male vocalist of the year, the nominees are Dierks Bently, Jackson, Paisley, Urban and Chesney.
Besides Sugarland, nominees for vocal group include Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Little Big Town, Lonestar, Rascal Flatts.
Miranda Lambert, nominated for the Horizon Award last year, was again nominated for that award, which celebrates the breakthrough of an emerging artist. Other nominees include Little Big Town, Josh Turner, Sugarland, also nominated last year, and Underwood, who made her triple-platinum debut last year.
Nettles was also nominated for musical event of the year for her duet with Bon Jovi on “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” which made Bon Jovi the first rock band to have a No. 1 hit on the country charts.
Nettles said that song boosted the success of Sugarland overall.
“That whole thing was such a gift,” she said. “It was a win-win situation, where Bon Jovi fans can become Sugarland fans and Sugarland fans become Bon Jovi fans. ... I think it’s a definite testimony to the state of country music, it’s just an exciting time to be a part of it.”
The CMA Awards, which were held in New York City for the first time last year, return to their Nashville home Nov. 6 to celebrate their 40th anniversary. The show will air on ABC.
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14585873/
It wasn't nominated last year. It had just come out when they held the awards and she sang it on thereOh okay, thanks. I must have been thinking about ACM awards.
I'd expect that song to take home a few. When was it released again? I feel like it might have been nominated last year also? :huh:
I hope it wins a few too.
EilleenTwain88
08-31-2006, 11:33am
I am ticked off that the Dixie Chicks don't have a nomination there CD "Taking The Long Raod" has sold more then some of the CD's on there. And why aren't they up for Vocal Group, they have been out most of the year...
I agree. That album (and all that has happened around it) is definitely The Country Album of the year. It even gets air play in Europe, and for a country album that is a real achievement!!
The CMA's aren't even right anymore.
Looking at that list they have driven themselves to the corner and there are only 5 to 6 country singers in the world of CMA any more. That is sad.
I hope it wins a few too.I don't actually *hope* it wins anything as I am not a fan of Carrie, it's all the same to me who wins, I just predicted :p
I'm pleased Brooks & Dunn have so many nominations!
paulclark79
08-31-2006, 7:25pm
[QUOTE=twaintrain;822197]The Dixie Chicks and LeAnn Rimes got snubbed. I figured on both, but I just can't see how LeAnn can have such a comeback with "This Woman" and 3 hit singles and not receive a nomination. She had more success this year than Gretchen and Sara.
I KNOW! THat's total bull poo! Leann deserves a friggin nomination, or several. She's tops in my book. Shania is at the very top though!! :D
I am ticked off that the Dixie Chicks don't have a nomination there CD "Taking The Long Raod" has sold more then some of the CD's on there. And why aren't they up for Vocal Group.
Taking the Long Road is the best album since Up! in my opinion. It debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard country chart and is still at no. 8 today. Their tour has risen to no. 5 on the Pollstar list and is selling well in the blue states. In Canada and Australia, they are adding second concerts to accommodate the huge demand.
In my opinion, Taking the Long Way is not really country music so on those grounds you could argue that the CMAs are right to overlook them. But Billboard still lists them as country. We all know why the Chicks are being ignored. They exercised their right to free expression and spoke up against a Pres who was waging an immoral and illegal war. By rights, the CMAs should either say their music isn't country or reward the quality of the album and the Chicks' courage. Their failure to do either reveals them to be cowards.
EilleenTwain88
08-31-2006, 11:52pm
Their failure to do either reveals them to be cowards.
Which isn't totally suprise to us, is it? :D
SHANIANUTS!
09-01-2006, 9:59am
I thought it was a very bland year in country music all-in-all. The next big releases will come this fall.
On previous years I could even try and predict some of the winners, but this year I feel nobody's done anything, so it's anybody's game....indubitably...
Thanks for the names of the nomineers, I'll be glued to tv to watch the next cma..:d
Tickets to CMA Awards on Sale Sept. 15
Wed. August 30.2006 6:43 PM EDT
The CMA Awards will be open to the public again this year as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The ceremony will be broadcast live Nov. 6 on ABC from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in downtown Nashville. Tickets go on sale Sept. 15 through Ticketmaster. Tickets are priced at $150 and $200. The CMA sold tickets to the public for the first time in 2005 when the show was held at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Paisley leads country nominations
Singers Brad Paisley and Jennifer Nettles announced the nominees
Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney have been installed as the leading contenders for this year's Country Music Awards (CMAs).
Paisley has received six nominations including best album, best male vocalist and entertainer of the year.
Chesney and Nicole Kidman's husband Urban are up for four awards each.
But there are no nominations for previous winners The Dixie Chicks or Toby Keith. Both have attracted criticism for their political views.
The Dixie Chicks came under fire in 2003, when singer Natalie Maines said the band were "ashamed" to come from Texas, the same state as President Bush.
Their absence from the nominations comes despite having one of the year's most successful country albums, Taking the Long Way Round.
'Complete divorce'
Peter Cooper, senior music writer for The Tennessean newspaper, told the Reuters news agency there had been a "complete divorce" between the group and the country music community.
"The CMA awards tend to go to people who are successful on country radio and the Dixie Chicks right now are not," he said. "They've not gotten play for this album."
Paisley, Chesney and Urban are all contenders for entertainer of the year - considered the top award - along with the band Rascal Flatts.
Carrie Underwood won American Idol in 2005
Australian-born Urban has won male vocalist of the year for the past two years and is nominated again, along with Chesney, Paisley, Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley.
Newcomer Carrie Underwood, who shot to fame after winning TV talent show American Idol, scored four nominations, including female vocalist of the year.
She will go up against Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Martina McBride and Gretchen Wilson.
Rock band Bon Jovi are also on the list of nominations - their duet with Jennifer Nettles, Who Says You Can't Go Home, is up for musical event of the year.
The awards will be handed out in Nashville on 9 November.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5301126.stm
shaniagal
10-01-2006, 3:52pm
Who Says You Can't Go Home = :love:
:eek: Thanks for the cool info:p
Martina McBride, Keith Urban to Perform on CMA Awards
Mon. October 02.2006 2:48 PM EDT
Martina McBride and Keith Urban have been added to the list of performers for the CMA Awards show on Nov. 6. McBride is nominated for female vocalist of the year, which she has won four times. Urban's four nominations include entertainer, male vocalist, song ("Tonight I Wanna Cry") and single ("Better Life"). Previously announced performers include Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Carrie Underwood and Gretchen Wilson. Held in downtown Nashville and open to the public this year, the CMA Awards will air live on ABC.
Added to the CMA Awards
-- Faith Hill has been added to the list of performers on "The 40th Annual CMA Awards," which airs live Monday, November 6 on ABC.
Plus, Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill have been added to the Brooks & Dunn performance -- and John Rich of Big & Rich will perform with Gretchen Wilson.
Country Music Hall of Famer, Kris Kristofferson will introduce the 2006 Hall of Fame inductees (Harold Bradley, Sonny James and George Strait).
Steve F
10-16-2006, 6:22pm
Added to the CMA Awards
-- Faith Hill has been added to the list of performers on "The 40th Annual CMA Awards," which airs live Monday, November 6 on ABC.
Plus, Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill have been added to the Brooks & Dunn performance -- and John Rich of Big & Rich will perform with Gretchen Wilson.
Country Music Hall of Famer, Kris Kristofferson will introduce the 2006 Hall of Fame inductees (Harold Bradley, Sonny James and George Strait).
If it wasn't for Sheryl Crow, I think I'd barf!http://www.websmileys.com/sm/obscene/eck36.gif
Steve
Bon Jovi, Horizon Nominees Added to CMA Awards
Mon. October 23.2006 6:34 PM EDT
Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Sugarland and Josh Turner have been added to the list of performers for the CMA Awards on Nov. 6 in Nashville. All four artists, as well as previously-announced performer Carrie Underwood, are nominated for the Horizon Award. Lambert's "Kerosene" is also up for video of the year, and Little Big Town and Sugarland are also nominated for vocal group. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, Barbara Mandrell, Kellie Pickler and LeAnn Rimes have been added to the list of presenters. Bon Jovi and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles are nominated for vocal event with for "Who Says You Can't Go Home." The CMA Awards will air live on ABC.
RKSTFan
10-24-2006, 2:35pm
Keith Urban has officially pulled OUT of the CMA line-up. (http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061021/ENTERTAINMENT01/610210331) He will NOT be attending the CMAs.
The following people will be on the show.
Performers (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/news/press_detail.asp?re=575&year=2006):
Dierks Bentley (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1475)
Brooks & Dunn (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=29) - with Sheryl Crow (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1428) and Vince Gill (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=27)
Kenny Chesney (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=471)
Sara Evans (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=516)
Faith Hill (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=155)
Alan Jackson (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=28)
Little Big Town (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1517)
Martina McBride (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=111)
Brad Paisley (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=634)
Rascal Flatts (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1409)
George Strait (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=198)
Sugarland (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1489)
Josh Turner (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1464)
Carrie Underwood (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1506)
Gretchen Wilson (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1461) - with John Rich (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1465)
Presenters (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/news/press_detail.asp?re=575&year=2006):
Jon Bon Jovi (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1520) and Richie Sambora (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1520)
Kris Kristofferson (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=575) - Kris will introduce the 2006 Hall of Fame segment.
Barbara Mandrell (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=19)
Kellie Pickler ("American Idol")
LeAnn Rimes (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=164)
CMA (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/news/press_detail.asp?re=575&year=2006)
In other words another boring award show.
CMA throws open doors for show
By Susan Reigler
sreigler@courier-journal.com
C-J Travel Writer
For the first time in its 40-year history, the Country Music Association's annual CMA Awards show in Nashville will be open to the public.
Country-music fans will be able to attend the three-hour concert and awards ceremony on Nov. 6 (being broadcast live on ABC) because the event is moving from the 4,400-seat Grand Ole Opry House to the 17,000-seat Gaylord Entertainment Center.
Nominees for this year's awards include Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban (entertainer of the year); Dierks Bentley, Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait and Urban (top male vocalist); and Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson and Lee Ann Womack (top female vocalist).
Album-of-the-year nominees (from which attendees will no doubt hear some selections) are "Feels Like Today" (Rascal Flatts), "There's More Where That Came From" (Lee Ann Womack), "Time Well Wasted" (Brad Paisley), "Tough All Over" (Gary Allan) and "Twice the Speed of Life" (Sugarland).
To take the guesswork out of travel planning, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering vacation packages tailored to the CMA Awards. Starting at $501, they include two tickets to the awards and a minimum of two nights in a Nashville hotel.
Among the attractions to enjoy while staying in Music City are the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Honky Tonk Highway, a row of bars with musical associations that includes Legends Corner, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and Roberts Western Wear.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/FEATURES05/610290339/1010/FEATURES
More for CMA Awards
-- Jason Aldean, The Wreckers, and Vince Gill with Sheryl Crow, Jenny Gill, and Amy Grant have been added to the list of performers at "The 40th Annual CMA Awards."
Presenters will include Gary Allan, Billy Currington, Montgomery Gentry, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
Opening the November 6 show will be Brooks & Dunn, who are hosting for the third year.
A closer look at the CMA award nominees
BY BEVERLY KEEL AND PETER COOPER | STAFF WRITERS
Entertainer of the year
Brooks & Dunn: As Kix Brooks says, these perennial CMA nominees have some fresh wind in their sails. They've been making records together for 15 years and now are creating the best music of their lives, including "Believe," which won the Academy of Country Music's song of the year trophy earlier this year. They are tied with Brad Paisley as the most-nominated act, with six nods in all. They're more relevant than they've ever been; with a resume that includes 22 No. 1 hits and more than 30 albums sold, that's saying something.
Kenny Chesney: As the only artist of any genre to play for more than one million fans every year for the last five years, he's earned the reputation as the modern-day king of the road. His live shows play a major part in his career success, which also includes more than 25 million albums sold. So it was logical that in September he released a 14-song live album, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's country albums chart. He's the reigning ACM entertainer of the year, and he took home the CMA entertainer trophy in 2004.
Brad Paisley: This has been a big year for good guy Paisley, one of country's most consistent and solid performers. He's tied with Brooks & Dunn as the most nominated act at this year's CMAs. Billboard ranked his tour the third-highest-grossing country tour (behind Chesney and Tim McGraw/Faith Hill) for the first half of 2006, and he won three awards at the 2006 ACMs, including album of the year.
Rascal Flatts: This is the first entertainer nod for the trio that had the best-selling country album of the year in 2005. And so far this year, they've sold more albums than any act in any genre. Their "Me and My Gang" tour, which ends this weekend, attracted 1.1 million fans. Their first crossover hit, "What Hurts the Most," may emerge as the most-played song on both pop and country radio this year. They've sold more than 12 million records.
Keith Urban: This international celebrity is the reigning CMA entertainer and male vocalist of the year. His recent marriage to actress Nicole Kidman brought a heightened interest in his music, as well as paparazzi to their favorite hangouts. His last album, Be Here, has sold four million copies, and "Making Memories of Us" spent five weeks at No. 1. His current single, "Once in a Lifetime," made history as the highest-debuting single on Billboard's Hot Country Song Chart. He releases his new album the day after the CMAs.
Single of the year
Award goes to artist and producer
"Believe," Brooks & Dunn, produced by Tony Brown, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. Arista Nashville: This gospel-rooted single is simply produced, dominated by one of the most impactful vocals of Ronnie Dunn's career.
"Better Life," Keith Urban. Produced by Dann Huff and Keith Urban. Capitol Records Nashville: Like many of Urban's singles, this one offers a hopeful message and a propulsive, rhythmic banjo part. Urban contributes a spotlight guitar solo.
"Jesus, Take the Wheel," Carrie Underwood. Produced by Mark Bright. Arista Nashville: This single propelled Underwood into the country music stratosphere. The "American Idol" champ chose this as her first release, and it continues to pay great dividends.
"Summertime," by Kenny Chesney. Produced by Buddy Cannon and Kenny Chesney. BNA Records: Here's the only top-charting single in country music history to repeatedly name-check Yoo-Hoo chocolate drinks. "Summertime" was the opening song on Chesney's highly successful 2006 tour.
"When I Get Where I'm Going," Brad Paisley, featuring Dolly Parton. Produced by Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois. Arista Nashville: Paisley saw success in the past with unconventional singles choice "Whiskey Lullaby," in which he and Alison Krauss sang a plaintive tale. "When I Get Where I'm Going" found him singing with Parton, who turned what would normally have been a fairly standard harmony vocal part into an event via the strength and instantly recognizable nature of her voice.
Album of the year
Award goes to artist and producer
Hillbilly Deluxe, Brooks & Dunn. Produced by Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, Mark Wright, Tom Shapiro, Tony Brown and Bob DiPiero. Arista Nashville: This platinum-selling album contains "Believe," one of the best songs released this year, as well as "Play Something Country," which embraces the duo's signature fun honky-tonk sound, and "Building Bridges," the Top 5 hit that includes guest vocals by Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill.
Me and My Gang. Rascal Flatts. Produced by Dann Huff and Rascal Flatts. Lyric Street Records: The trio sold 722,000 copies the first week of the album's release in April, the highest debut for any act in any genre this year. It's currently the best-selling album of the year in all genres. In addition to the title track, it contains the smash "What Hurts the Most" and other unabashedly commercial songs that have irresistible melodies and mainstream appeal.
Precious Memories, Alan Jackson. Produced by Keith Stegall. Arista Nashville: You probably haven't heard many of the songs on this album on country radio, but that's probably OK with Jackson. He never intended for many people to hear it in the first place. This collection of 15 hymns such as "Blessed Assurance" and "Softly and Tenderly" began as a Christmas present to his mother, but label chief Joe Galante heard it and was so blown away that he convinced Jackson to let him release it. Dubbed "a masterpiece" by Billboard, it's sold a million copies and is the only gospel recording to debut at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart.
The Road and the Radio, Kenny Chesney. Produced by Buddy Cannon and Kenny Chesney. BNA Records: Although this album contains the beach anthem "Summertime," most of the songs are more reflective and introspective than what might be expected from the man known as the Jimmy Buffett of country. It contains the hits "Living in Fast Forward," "Who You'd Be Today" and "You Save Me."
Time Well Wasted, Brad Paisley. Produced by Chris DuBois and Frank Rogers. Arista Nashville: This album went platinum, thanks to hits such as the multiweek No. 1 "The World." His impressive sense of humor was displayed in the Top 5 "Alcohol," but he tackled the serious topic of the after-life in the No. 1 "When I Get Where I'm Going," on which he collaborated with Dolly Parton.
Song of the year
Award goes to songwriter and primary publisher
"8th of November," Big Kenny and John Rich; Big Love Music, WB Music and Rich Texan Music: Though "8th of November" was not a chart smash, it was roundly praised for its well-written story of a Vietnam veteran who remembers an ambush that killed many of his fellow soldiers. John and Kenny are known for party anthems and country/hip-hop mishmashes, but this one was a ballad out of the Woody Guthrie school.
"Believe," Craig Wiseman and Ronnie Dunn; Sony, ATV Tree, Showbilly Music and Big Loud Shirt: Wiseman won a Grammy for co-penning Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying," and he continues to be one of Nashville's most successful songsmiths. He and Dunn wrote "Believe" together.
"Jesus, Take the Wheel," Hillary Lindsey, Brett James and Gordie Sampson; Dimensional Music of 1091, Raylene Music, No Such Music and Passing Stranger: "Jesus" already has been honored as country song of the year by performing rights organization ASCAP and by the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Underwood credits writers Lindsey, James and Sampson with supplying a sure hit that launched her career.
"Tonight I Wanna Cry," Keith Urban and Monty Powell; Universal Music, Lanark Village Tunes, Guitar Monkey Music and Coburn Music: While Urban's sunny "Better Life" is up for the top single award, the considerably sadder "Tonight I Wanna Cry" is up for top song.
"When I Get Where I'm Going," Rivers Rutherford and George Teren; Universal Music, Memphersfield Music and House of Full Circle Music: Rutherford and Teren provided Paisley with this hopeful notion of heaven. Rutherford has had massive success recently, notching hits with this one, with Gretchen Wilson's "Homewrecker" and with other smashes. He shared ASCAP's songwriter of the year award with Brett James.
Female vocalist
Sara Evans: Evans was in the midst of a very big year professionally before she garnered national publicity for pulling out of the ABC show "Dancing with the Stars" after filing for divorce. She won top female vocalist at the ACMs and her album Real Fine Place, which she co-produced, debuted atop the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The title track was a multiweek No. 1.
Faith Hill: The biggest star of all the category, Hill recently returned the focus to her music after her celebrity profile began to overwhelm her as a musician. She released her sixth album, Fireflies, which contains hits "Mississippi Girl" and the Tim McGraw duet "Like We Never Loved at All." She joined her husband on the nearly $89-million-grossing Soul2Soul II tour, which was the best-selling country tour ever and the highest-grossing tour of any genre this year.
Martina McBride: Widely recognized as the strongest vocalist in this category, this petite vocal powerhouse took a chance by eschewing radio-friendly contemporary hits and instead releasing Timeless, a collection of country standards. She co-produced the platinum seller, which debuted at No. 1 on the country album charts and was her fastest-selling album to date. She's won this award four times, tying her with Reba McEntire for the most wins.
Carrie Underwood: What a difference a year makes. After winning "American Idol" in 2005 before she graduated from college, Underwood released her debut album, Some Hearts, on the day of the CMAs last year. In less than a year, she received the coveted female vocalist nomination. Her album has sold 3.5 million copies and allowed her to quickly shed the "Idol" baggage. Her debut single, "Jesus, Take the Wheel," was a monster hit, and she followed that with two other No. 1 hits.
Gretchen Wilson: This Redneck Woman is the reigning female vocalist, an award largely earned from the success of her debut album, the five-million-selling Here for the Party. She began headlining her first tours this year and just released her first book, "Redneck Woman: Stories from My Life." Wilson's album All Jacked Up contains the hits "California Girls" and "I Don't Feel Like Loving You Today." She releases her third album in early 2007. She has one of the best female voices in country, a fact that was somewhat overshadowed by the monster success of "Redneck Woman."
Male vocalist
Dierks Bentley: This is Bentley's first entry into the male vocalist sweepstakes. He's not a favorite to win against this heavy competition, but the nomination is a signal that he has entered country's upper echelon of artists. His latest single is "Every Mile A Memory."
Kenny Chesney: Until recently, Chesney was regularly overlooked by CMA voters. His tremendous success as a recording artist (he just past the 25 million mark in career sales) and as a touring act has made him impossible to ignore.
Alan Jackson: This nomination comes in recognition of Jackson's gospel album, a quiet success that was recorded quickly and relatively inexpensively but which reveals his charming drawl to be an effective vehicle for spiritually based music.
Brad Paisley: Paisley is not an "American Idol"-ready belter. Like Jackson, he tends to sing with plaintive emotion and sly humor rather than gunning for full-throated high notes. It's a style that allows him hit after hit.
Keith Urban: Aussie-raised Urban won this category last year, and he's likely the favorite to repeat in 2006. But unlike last year, Urban won't be in attendance. His recent announcement that he voluntarily entered rehab caused the cancellation of many appearances, including the CMA show.
Vocal group of the year
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas: This is the fourth nomination for the highly respected bluegrass ensemble. (Krauss, who produced Alan Jackson's new album, has another 19 nominations alone.) She is hands-down one of the finest vocalists anywhere in any genre, and her vocal expertise is matched by her band's musical abilities.
Little Big Town: This success story is a lesson in perseverance. After losing their major-label deal, suffering two divorces and the death of a spouse, Little Big Town has emerged as one of this year's Cinderella stories. Their appropriately titled album, The Road to Here, is nearing platinum and contains the Top 10 "Boondocks" and the Top 5 "Bring it on Home." The two-men-and-two-women group has found their collective musical voice, one that blends their chill-inducing harmonies with their small-town upbringings.
Lonestar: In an industry that celebrates outlaws, Lonestar isn't afraid to embrace feel-good themes such as love, family and fidelity in hits such as "Amazed," "I'm Already There" and "My Front Porch Looking In." Richie McDonald's voice is distinctive and believable. You know he's lived what he's singing, even if it is "Mr. Mom." The group just released its ninth album, Mountains, and has more No. 1 hits than any other country group this decade.
Rascal Flatts: Rascal Flatts is the genre's first super group since Alabama and is the strong favorite in this category.
Sugarland: This group, which exploded onto the scene in 2004, began as a trio but is now a duo. Kristen Hall quit the group in January, so now Sugarland consists of the exciting lead singer Jennifer Nettles and her energetic musical partner Kristian Bush. Sugarland's debut album, Twice the Speed of Life, has sold 2 million copies and spawned the hits "Baby Girl" and "Something More." The duo is releasing a sophomore album, the highly touted Enjoy the Ride, on Nov. 7.
Vocal duo of the year
Big & Rich: The duo of Big Kenny and John Rich continues to make a name for itself through touring and multimedia exposure, despite a lack of a No. 1 country hit.
Brooks & Dunn: The two are perennial winners of the duo award, and there's nothing to indicate that Brooks & Dunn will be overtaken this year.
Montgomery Gentry: Cubby-gate may have come at a bad time for Montgomery Gentry, as Troy Gentry's lawyers have advised him to keep quiet about his shooting of an allegedly tame bear and CMA voters haven't yet heard his side of the story.
Van Zant: Health issues kept Van Zant from touring as much as the duo would have liked in 2006, but Southern rock fans revel in the notion of having veteran stompers such as Donnie and Johnny Van Zant on the country scene.
The Wreckers: The duo of Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp released its debut album in 2006 and scored a No. 1 hit with "Leave The Pieces."
Musical event of the year
"Building Bridges," Brooks & Dunn (guest vocals by Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill), Arista Nashville: Brooks & Dunn tapped new Nashville area resident Crow and beloved city leader Gill to join them on their Top 5 hit "Building Bridges," which they will all perform on the CMA show. While it's definitely quintessential Ronnie Dunn, the others' voices add a fresh dimension.
"Like We Never Loved at All," Faith Hill (featuring Tim McGraw), Warner Bros. Records: While the married couple has shared a mike in years past to sing about love gone right, this is a fabulous look at love gone wrong. This was one of six songs written by John Rich given to Hill on a tape. "Tim had heard them and told me that if I didn't cut 'Like We Never Loved at All' that he would," Hill has said.
"Politically Uncorrect," Gretchen Wilson (featuring Merle Haggard), Epic Records: The Redneck Woman invited the poet of the common man to join her in celebrating the virtues of America's working class. The country legend wasn't able to make the song's video shoot, so they shot his part separately and strategically placed his image on a poster, billboard and newspaper throughout the video.
"When I Get Where I'm Going," Brad Paisley (featuring Dolly Parton), Arista Nashville: This No. 1 Billboard hit is among the genre's finest this year and already won the ACM's vocal event of the year. It doesn't get any better than this.
"Who Says You Can't Go Home," Bon Jovi (with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland), Island Records: With this hit, Bon Jovi became the first rock group to enjoy a No. 1 country hit. New Jersey rocker Jon Bon Jovi enjoyed it so much that he's been spending time here recently with Richie Sambora writing for their new album, which they'll record here.
Musician of the year
Eddie Bayers, drums: Bayers has become one of Nashville's best-known session drummers, and his steady musicianship is favored by veterans including Vince Gill and Rodney Crowell.
Jerry Douglas, dobro: Now a full-time member of Alison Krauss' Union Station Band, Douglas redefined the dobro in the same way that Earl Scruggs redefined the banjo.
Paul Franklin, steel guitar: Franklin is the first-call steel player for numerous country artists, and he has also logged significant time performing with non-country folks including Mark Knopfler.
Dann Huff, guitar: Now best known for producing acts including Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts, Huff cut his teeth as an electric guitarist and continues to be in demand.
Brent Mason, guitar and electric guitar: Mason once played Nashville honky-tonks in the Don Kelley Band, but now he's a studio ace.
Randy Scruggs, guitar. The son of bluegrass innovator Earl Scruggs, Randy Scruggs has been playing professional Nashville sessions since he was in high school. In addition to his inventive acoustic guitar work, he's a significant producer with credits including volumes II and III of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Will The Circle Be Unbroken series.
Music video of the year
Award goes to artist and director
"8th of November," Big & Rich, directed by Robert Deaton, George J. Flanigen IV and Marc Oswald: This video that features Kris Kristofferson was based on the song that was the true story about the life of Niles Harris of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. It hit No. 1 on CMT's "Top 20 Countdown" on Sept. 21.
"Believe," Brooks & Dunn, directed by Robert Deaton and George J. Flanigen IV. This video, which hit No. 1 on CMT's "Top 20 Countdown" on April 5, adheres to the simple story in the song's lyrics. It's an emotionally charged visual complement to one of the most powerful message songs of 2006.
"Jesus, Take the Wheel," Carrie Underwood, directed by Roman White. This video spent two weeks at No. 1 on CMT's "Top 20 Countdown," beginning on March 16. It impressively introduced Underwood as a new country artist and portrayed the poignant story of a young woman in her time of need.
"Kerosene," Miranda Lambert, directed by Trey Fanjoy. Fanjoy is known for her ability to highlight the beauty of female artists, so she was the logical choice for this video, which hit No. 1 on CMT's "Top 20 Countdown" on March 2. It's a memorable video not only because of the kerosene-lit fire, but by Lambert's beauty, which lights up the screen.
"When I Get Where I'm Going," Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton, directed by Jim Shea. Shea relied on simple images to relay the powerful message of this song, and it worked. The video spent two weeks atop CMT's "Top 20 Countdown," beginning April 20. Perhaps the most poignant moment was when Paisley and Parton displayed photos of those they can't wait to see when they enter heaven's gates.
Horizon Award
Miranda Lambert: Native Texan Lambert's first Music City exposure came through her participation in "Nashville Star." On last year's CMA show, she performed "Kerosene," a song with instrumental references to the Beatles "Should've Known Better" and Steve Earle's "I Feel Alright."
Little Big Town: This harmony-rich quartet released a debut album on Sony early in the century, lost its record deal, disappeared from the public radar for a few years and returned with an unusually strong album and a hit in "Boondocks."
Sugarland: The trio of Jennifer Nettles, Kristian Bush and Kristen Hall is now a duo of Nettles and Bush. The hits continue, though, and Sugarland is country's biggest-ever band to hail from Atlanta, Ga.
Josh Turner: Clean-cut baritone Turner burst onto the country scene with "Long Black Train," and he's followed that one with hits including "Your Man" and "Would You Go With Me."
Carrie Underwood: It's not a given that "American Idol" winners will become superstars. Underwood, though, has quickly become a platinum singer. She's the favorite in this strong field. •
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061102/ENTERTAINMENT0105/611020340/1419/ENTERTAINMENT50
CMT Poll Predicts Carrie Underwood as Horizon Winner
Wed. November 01.2006 6:08 PM EST
Carrie Underwood is predicted to win the Horizon Award at the 40th annual CMA Awards, according to a poll commissioned by CMT. In a telephone survey of 1,002 adults 18 and older, 47 percent of the respondents chose Underwood over the other four new acts nominated for the coveted honor. "Jesus, Take the Wheel," a No. 1 hit for Underwood, is predicted to win song of the year as the top choice of 26 percent of the respondents. Additionally, 29 percent of those surveyed picked Alan Jackson as male vocalist of the year, and 33 percent selected his gospel project, Precious Memories, as album of the year. Other predicted winners include Kenny Chesney (entertainer of the year) and Faith Hill (female vocalist). In an unofficial category, 24 percent of those contacted chose Brooks & Dunn as the country act they would most like to invite over for coffee. Brooks & Dunn host the CMA Awards show Monday night (Nov. 6) on ABC.
Fan Poll: Jackson Will Win Big At CMAs
Voters Predict Jackson Will Win Top Album Honors
POSTED: 10:19 am EST November 2, 2006
UPDATED: 10:33 am EST November 2, 2006
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Fans are picking Alan Jackson to be one of the big winners at Monday's Country Music Association Awards show.
In a nationwide Country Music Television poll, fans said Jackson will win both Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year with his gospel album "Precious Memories."
Fans like Kenny Chesney for Entertainer of the Year, followed closely by Brooks and Dunn.
Carrie Underwood is easily the favorite for the Horizon award as Best New Artist, and fans like her song "Jesus Take the Wheel" for Song of the Year.
Faith Hill also was picked as Female Vocalist of the Year in the CMT poll.
The CMA celebration, which is set in Nashville, is organization's 40th annual celebration.
Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed
http://www.wtov9.com/entertainment/10219328/detail.html
-- Sirius Satellite Radio airs extensive coverage of the November 6 "CMA Awards" and related special programming, November 3 through 6.
Brad Paisley hopes to avoid CMA shutout
‘Last year was bittersweet’ singer says about winning no awards last year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Some entertainers say award shows don’t matter.
Not Brad Paisley.
When the singer went to last year’s Country Music Association gala in New York with a leading six nominations and left 0-for-6, it hurt
This year, with the show back in Nashville and Paisley back at the top of the nominations list, he’s a little nervous.
“Last year was bittersweet,” Paisley said during a recent interview at his management office. “It was kind of a big fiasco in many ways for me, and a very humbling one to some degree to go in with the most nominations and lose them all. It kind of makes you dig in your heels.”
This time, Paisley is nominated for entertainer of the year, album of the year, male vocalist, single, musical event and music video — the last three for his inspirational hit “When I Get Where I’m Going” with Dolly Parton.
Only Brooks & Dunn have as many nominations for the show, which airs 8 p.m. ET Monday on ABC.
“Being the local guy you always pull for him, but I think this could be his year,” said Scott Feist, program director at WOGH in Steubenville, Ohio, about 40 miles up the Ohio River from Paisley’s hometown of Glen Dale, W.Va. “His latest album was a strong album, probably his strongest.”
A big year for Paisley
If Paisley can avoid a second CMA shutout, it would cap a big year for him. His 2005 album “Time Well Wasted” continues to spin off hits. His tour is in the top five in attendance among country acts. He took home album of the year honors at the Academy of Country Music awards in May. He’s just released a Christmas record. And he and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, are expecting their first child in February.
“It’s at a level where things are fun and very creative for me. I get to be very hands-on and creative with our live shows and make sure it’s got the bells and whistles, and we can afford those bells and whistles finally,” he said.
As for the baby, they don’t want to know the sex in advance and are picking out both boy and girl names. (Don’t ask about their favorites — he won’t tell).
“With modern technology, we’ve had to be very vocal about not wanting to know,” he said. “They can accidentally show you 10 times in the pregnancy. If somebody doesn’t mess up and walk in and say he or she when referring to some test result, we’ll be all right.”
Since his first hit, “He Didn’t Have to Be” in 1999, Paisley has built a following with fun, clever songs such as “Celebrity,” “Mud on the Tires” and the dark ballad “Whiskey Lullaby,” with Alison Krauss.
He’s a whiz on guitar, appearing on the cover of “Vintage Guitar” magazine and performing fleet instrumentals on his records and in his concerts, which are ambitious affairs with animation and short film bits.
Oddly enough, Paisley, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, got the idea for his live show from the psychedelic rock group Pink Floyd.
“Country music didn’t do this kind of thing until now,” he said. “Even when Garth Brooks was at his apex, it was all him — him running and swinging from ropes.
“But at the time all I’d ever hear from these kids who were Pink Floyd heads in college and in high school was that their live show was incredible. I rented the DVD and checked it out and I understood why. It was all about this sort of ethereal experience. And the stuff really went well with the songs. It made me think ‘What can we do in country music that would double-whammy the lyrics and the visual aspect?”’
Paisley, 34, and Williams, 35, met when she appeared in the music video for his 2002 hit, “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song).” But he’d had a crush on her a long time, since seeing her in the 1991 comedy, “Father of the Bride.” These days, the actress is best known as Dana on the TV sitcom, “According to Jim.”
They married in 2003 and have homes in Tennessee and California.
It’s a hectic life for them, being a country music star married to an actress, but Paisley isn’t complaining.
“We don’t like being apart, but I’m doing what I love, and she’s doing what she loves,” he said.
He said they also make enough money to “travel in style” whenever they need to see each other.
“So, yes, you are apart three or four days, but I know people in my hometown who have difficult marriages, and I think some of that has to do with they were together too much. Some people like us do really well with two, three days off here and there.”
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15549985/
Artists set stage for CMA's big homecoming
By PETER COOPER
Staff Writer
This time of year, the Gaylord Entertainment Center is normally for skating, not strumming. But on Friday, the arena bustled with musicians, media, publicists, managers and television crews, as rehearsals began for Monday's 40th annual Country Music Association Awards show.
"We try to get up there and ignore the cameras, just think, 'This is what we do for 200 nights a year,' " said Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, a group that will compete for the CMA's Horizon Award and vocal group of the year prize. Friday morning, Little Big Town rehearsed "Bones," a song with intricate harmonies. Unlike most CMA artists, who sing over pre-recorded music tracks, Little Big Town is playing and singing entirely live.
"If you're going to call yourself a purist, it's probably got to be this way," Fairchild said. "We're going to just have to sink or swim."
The CMA Awards returns this year to Music City after a one-time stop in New York in 2005, and for this milestone anniversary, the 40th annual awards is leaving its traditional Nashville home of the Grand Ole Opry House for the much-larger GEC.
The staging itself is impressive, using the massive setup from last year's awards in Madison Square Garden. In front of the stage, the floor is covered with folding chairs, with photos of celebrities who will sit in them attached.
Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria and Country Music Hall of Famer Kris Kristofferson have spots up front, as does Sara Evans, who will sit next to Lee Ann Womack. Unlike at the Grammy Awards, non-performing songwriters get some of the best seats at the CMAs, so Craig Wiseman and Monty Powell won't have to crane their necks.
The shift to the GEC means that more seats are available, and the public can purchase seats for the first time in Nashville (CMA Award tickets were sold to the public for the first time ever last year in New York). But the public had better be ready to ante up significant dollars, though: The only remaining seats for Monday's show are $350 each.
That $350 will allow entrance into a show where some artists perform hits from the past year while others unveil new material. "Bones" is not a single at all. Show producer Walter Miller requested that Little Big Town perform that one, as it is Miller's favorite song on the album.
Martina McBride, John Rich and Gretchen Wilson will perform songs that have not yet been released. A few non-country artists will also be on hand: Jon Bon Jovi and his Bon Jovi bandmate Richie Sambora will present an award, while Sheryl Crow will harmonize with Brooks & Dunn and Vince Gill on "Building Bridges" and with Gill, Amy Grant and Jenny Gill on "What You Give Away." •
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061104/ENTERTAINMENT0105/611040313
King of the hill: With country sales up and its music awards show flying high, the Country Music Association will play it safe at Monday night's honors
The music industry could be crumbling, but right now Nashville is the master mason.
Not since Garth Brooks' reign in the early '90s has country found itself in such favor. While overall music sales fell by 5 percent this year, country stood out, rising 11 percent.
Last year, the CMA Awards broadcast earned higher ratings than any other televised awards program except the Oscars. Monday night's festivities should repeat as the CMAs move from CBS to target ABC's younger-skewing demographic. As such, performers include American Idol Carrie Underwood, country boy band Rascal Flatts and Nashville Star alum Miranda Lambert.
Clinging to its If It Ain't Broke ethos, the CMA's 40th year promises three hours dominated by performances and appearances sprinkled with a handful of awards. Among those scheduled to appear: hosts Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Little Big Town, George Strait, Kellie Pickler, Vince Gill and Desperate Housewives costars Eva Longoria and James Denton.
Amid the good news comes a sore point. Once again the Country Music Association reveals its lack of spine by shunning the genre's best act, the Dixie Chicks, for fear of upsetting its core constituents in the wake of the trio's comments on the war and the president.
Remember when the CMA community had guts? You would have to go only as far back as 2000 when the CMAs honored the George Strait/Alan Jackson duet Murder on Music Row as its Vocal Event of the Year. That tune, frowned upon by radio, was highly critical of the country music industry.
In 2006, sitting at No. 1, CMA feels more comfortable playing it safe. Bet on finding the Chicks at the struggling Grammy Awards in February.
Here's how Monday's CMAs shape up.
ENTERTAINER
Nominees: Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban.
Who wins: Kenny Chesney.
Who's robbed: No one. Chesney owned the road, playing to the biggest crowds this year with his box-office storming (and fun) concert tour. He did well on radio, too, making him the most deserving of the nominees.
ALBUM
Nominees: Hillbilly Deluxe, Brooks & Dunn; Me And My Gang, Rascal Flatts; Precious Memories, Alan Jackson; The Road and the Radio, Kenny Chesney; Time Well Wasted, Brad Paisley.
Who wins: Nashville mistakenly honors top-selling acts ''for bringing newcomers into country music'' when, with few exceptions (maybe Garth and pre-Incident Dixie Chicks) this clearly isn't so. People who buy Rascal Flatts, Underwood, Shania Twain or Faith Hill CDs are not likely consumers of country traditionalists like Alan Jackson, George Strait or George Jones. This misguided Nashville notion accounts for the nomination for Rascal Flatts' woefully overproduced pop music here and Underwood's multiple nominations elsewhere.
But, on occasion, the CMAs reward an artistic detour as they did last year with Lee Ann Womack's There's More Where That Came From. Jackson's hymns disc fits that role this year and can't be ruled out as it plays into country's core Christian values. But he has a better chance in 2007, when his current Alison Krauss-produced Like Red on a Rose finds itself a likely nominee.
This leaves industry darling Brad Paisley the deserving victor for his wonderfully engaging and accomplished Time Well Wasted.
Who's robbed: Dixie Chicks, for its Taking the Long Way CD. True, the Rick Rubin-produced recording was a concerted move away from the country format -- its flavoring more Southern California pop/rock than Tennessee mountain music.
But Taking the Long Way contains more authentic country instrumentation (fiddles, banjo) than anything in the entire catalogs of Rascal Flatts, Underwood or Faith Hill, three other pop acts the Association showers with nominations. The Chicks' CD is also one of the year's best-selling albums, at 1.7 million copies sold despite the radio blackout. Usually that's enough to score in the numbers-loving Nashville community.
SONG
Nominees (award goes to the songwriter): 8th of November, Big Kenny/John Rich (Big & Rich); Believe, Craig Wiseman/Ronnie Dunn (Brooks & Dunn); Jesus Take the Wheel, Hillary Lindsey/Brett James/Gordie Sampson (Carrie Underwood); Tonight I Wanna Cry, Keith Urban/Monty Powell (Urban); When I Get Where I'm Going, Rivers Rutherford/George Teren (Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton).
Who wins: When I Get Where I'm Going is moving and spiritual, the antithesis of its closest competition, the plastic Jesus.
Who's robbed: The Dixie Chicks' powerful Not Ready to Make Nice bests this sappy lot.
FEMALE VOCALIST
Nominees: Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson.
Who wins: Underwood.
Who's robbed: Wilson is the most promising of this glossy, middle-of-the-road lot, but she has suffered a sophomore slump.
MALE VOCALIST
Nominees: Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban.
Who wins: Urban is outclassed and outsung by the others but he won last year and his media profile has only risen with his marriage to actress Nicole Kidman. His recent admission into alcohol rehab will prevent him from making his scheduled performance at the show.
Who's robbed: Jackson is ever-reliable but it would be nice to see Paisley win.
HORIZON AWARD
(Most promising newer artist) Nominees:
Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood.
Who wins: Underwood. Nashville will hitch itself to the American Idol phenom. It could be worse: The gratingly awful Sugarland would win otherwise.
Who's robbed: Little Big Town is one of the finest vocal harmony groups in Nashville history. Seriously. Check out the quartet's second album, The Road to Here. Also, Josh Turner is a worthy nominee. His deep baritone is reminiscent of his idol, Randy Travis.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/15922999.htm
CMA show could enliven already peppy sales tune
Country music is hot again, and awards, albums might brighten holiday glow
By RYAN UNDERWOOD
Staff Writer
Organizers of the 40th annual CMA awards like to call the traditional fall gala Country Music's Biggest Night.
But with Monday's event coming on the eve of the critical fourth-quarter holiday shopping season and amid a slew of new album releases for many of the show's scheduled performers, it may be fair to nickname the nationally televised show Country Music's Biggest Commercial.
So far, 2006 has been a strong year for country music. By the end of September, album unit sales were outpacing 2005 by 9.5 percent in a year when album sales overall have stumbled by 5 percent, according to Nielsen SoundScan. That increase has pushed up country music's share of the market to 12.7 percent compared with 10.9 percent last year.
And at least three country concert tours — Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's Soul2Soul II Tour, as well as outings by Kenny Chesney and George Strait — showed up in the top-10 grossing concerts at midyear.
On top of that, recent issues of Vanity Fair and People have devoted significant coverage to country music's most beautiful people.
In other words, country music is hot. But whether that buzz will fizzle out or go on to fuel even more sales this holiday season is an open question.
Country music is down from a 17.7 percent sales increase at midyear. Sales are ahead of those in the third quarter of 2004 by only about 2 percent, indicating country music sales resemble more of a roller coaster ride than a rocket ship.
There are, however, a couple of factors Russ Crupnick, president of the music and movies division of retail consulting firm NPD Group, sees working in country music's favor.
First is a major shift of music buying away from stores like Tower Records, which is undergoing bankruptcy liquidation, to big-box retailers like Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy.
"Fifty-five percent of country music sales come from mass retailers," Crupnick said. "That's more than twice the national average for other genres."
From Music Row's perspective, increased sales at discount retailers mean consumers can typically get music at lower prices, while wholesale prices remain intact.
"Wal-Mart and Target and Best Buy go through their price wars and I don't know who loses in that one. But we still get our wholesale price while they're beating each others' brains out," said Luke Lewis, co-chairman of Universal Music Group Nashville. "Meanwhile the consumer can buy CDs for under $10. That's about the best entertainment bargain anywhere."
Another element in country music's favor is that it's drawing buyers at both ends of the demographic spectrum, from 13-year-olds to baby boomers.
The group Rascal Flatts, whose country success among the Disney crowd has flooded over into the pop arena, seems to be opening the genre to a new generation of fans. The trio has two albums in country's top 10 so far this year, with "Me and My Gang" on track to finish as the No. 2 top-selling album of the year among all categories.
Randy Goodman, president of Disney-owned Lyric Street Records, the label of Rascal Flatts, said, "We all believe that we haven't even really hit our stride yet. We're already talking about strategy for 2007, 2008 and 2009."
Healthy genre, culture
How much market strength remains for Music Row? Plenty, said many of the powers-that-be, though nobody seems willing to unequivocally declare a return to the Garth Brooks-led boom of the early 1990s.
"I think country as a genre and country as a culture is still very healthy and will continue to be," said Bill Bennett, executive vice president of Warner Bros. Nashville, the label home to acts Big & Rich, Faith Hill and The Wreckers.
The backgrounder on a 32-page photo spread in November's Vanity Fair may offer some clues about a new mainstream acceptance for country music and its stars: "In the six months we spent getting the portfolio done, the cartoon image of hairdos and heartaches, hat acts, hoedowns and hee-haw gave way to a deeper understanding of heartbreakers, groundbreakers and timeless originals."
Today, country encapsulates everything from the pop sounds of Carrie Underwood to the old-time purist ethos of Alison Krauss and Ralph Stanley.
And that accommodation of different styles has meant good business for nearly everyone in Nashville, said Mike Dungan, president and CEO of Capitol Records Nashville and the 2005-06 president of the CMA Board of Directors.
"Our business is always best when we accommodate a wide range of styles," Dungan said. "I think a generation has come into its own that's just been marketed to death. … They don't really care what you call the music. They just know if they like it or if they don't."
One other ingredient that may be boosting this year's CMA Awards, which typically garner television audiences on par with the Grammy Awards, is the show's dalliance in New York City last year.
Tammy Genovese, the CMA's chief operating officer, said that when she asked what prompted People magazine to devote a special issue to country music this fall, she was told that Time Inc. executives got a better understanding of the genre thanks to last year's show.
"That was the first time I heard about New York having such a direct impact," Genovese said. "But the success country's been having this year comes from a combination of things."
Still not up to '90s heyday
For all its wins, however, country music, with the rest of the industry, is still struggling to grow the economic pie to past levels. While digital sales increase by triple-digit percentages, they've come nowhere near filling the sales gap left by piracy or even the rise of legitimate 99-cent digital singles.
"Digital sales make up about 12 percent of the music business, but at the same time CDs are down 30 million units," Universal's Lewis said.
Even including digital albums, country music has yet to reach its all-time sales high of 80.3 million units obtained in 1992.
Goodman said he's still waiting for an act out of Nashville to once again achieve first-week album sales of 1 million units or for an album to reach total sales of 10 million copies. Those kinds of numbers, he said, haven't been posted since the days of Shania Twain and Garth Brooks.
"Is it possible to achieve that again? I believe so," Goodman said. "But it behooves us all to continue to deliver great songs by great singers." •
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061105/BUSINESS01/611050362/1436/BUSINESS
Who will win?
Our critic predicts country music's finest at tonight's CMA Awards
By Jeffrey Lee Puckett
jpuckett@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal
Tammy Genovese grew up watching the Country Music Association Awards on television in Mississippi, dazzled by the parade of stars she had heard only on radio and records.
In 1985, as a new Country Music Association employee, she found herself backstage at the awards show in Nashville -- still dazzled -- as Ricky Skaggs was the big winner.
To me it was the biggest event I'd ever been to in my whole life," said Genovese, now the CMA's chief operating officer. "I was so excited and just thrilled to be a part of it. … It was certainly something I'll never forget.
"It was work, but it was a lot of fun -- and it still is a lot of fun, which is why I'm still here."
This year's awards show marks the event's 40th anniversary.
That has kept Genovese especially busy with a slew of related events, such as a reunion of past winners, a performance of "Broadway Meets Country," and the temporary return of the Grand Ole Opry to its original home in the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
None of those events will get much airtime tonight, Genovese said, as no one wants to muck up a winning formula. The CMAs overtook the Grammys last year to become television's most-watched music awards show, in part because there are more performances than acceptance speeches.
"We're looking to hang on to that," she said. "We try to put more musical performances on our show than most other shows do, and I think that's what the audiences love. Of course, they want to see who wins the awards."
So who might take this year's biggest prize of entertainer of the year? The nominees are Brooks & Dunn, who are also hosting, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts.
Genovese wouldn't even hazard a guess.
"Oh, man, that's a tough one," she said, laughing. "I would be in lots of trouble if I happened to pick the right one. I'm rooting for all of them."
We don't need to play politics, however, so here are some predictions for the biggest categories.
Entertainer of the year -- Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts.
Will win: Chesney.
Should win: Paisley.
Single of the year (award goes to artist and producer) -- "Believe," Brooks & Dunn, produced by Tony Brown, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn; "Better Life," Keith Urban, produced by Dann Huff and Keith Urban; "Jesus Take the Wheel," Carrie Underwood, produced by Mark Bright; "Summertime," Kenny Chesney, produced by Buddy Cannon and Kenny Chesney; "When I Get Where I'm Going," Brad Paisley, featuring Dolly Parton, produced by Frank Rogers and Chris DuBois.
Will win: "Believe."
Should win: "When I Get Where I'm Going."
Album of the year (award goes to artist and producer) -- "Hillbilly Deluxe," Brooks & Dunn, produced by Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, Mark Wright, Tom Shapiro, Tony Brown and Bob DiPiero; "Me and My Gang," Rascal Flatts, produced by Dann Huff and Rascal Flatts; "Precious Memories," Alan Jackson, produced by Keith Stegall; "The Road and the Radio," Kenny Chesney, produced by Buddy Cannon and Kenny Chesney; "Time Well Wasted," Brad Paisley, produced by Chris DuBois and Frank Rogers.
Will win: "Hillbilly Deluxe," Brooks & Dunn.
Should win: "Precious Memories," Jackson.
Song of the year (award goes to songwriter and primary publisher) -- "8th of November," Big Kenny and John Rich; "Believe," Craig Wiseman, Ronnie Dunn; "Jesus Take the Wheel," Hillary Lindsey, Brett James, Gordie Sampson; "Tonight I Wanna Cry," Keith Urban and Monty Powell; "When I Get Where I'm Going," Rivers Rutherford and George Teren.
Will win: "Believe," Craig Wiseman, Ronnie Dunn.
Should win: "Tonight I Wanna Cry," Keith Urban and Monty Powell.
Female vocalist of the year -- Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood and Gretchen Wilson.
Will win: Sara Evans.
Should win: Gretchen Wilson.
Male vocalist of the year -- Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban.
Will and should win: Jackson.
Vocal group of the year -- Alison Krauss + Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Little Big Town, Lonestar, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland.
Will win: Rascal Flatts.
Should win: Krauss.
Horizon Award (for emerging artist) -- Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood.
Will and should win: Underwood.
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061106/SCENE04/611060304
CMA Awards: Brooks & Dunn & Co. ride again
Are you ready for the country? Tonight at 8 on ABC, the Country Music Assn. Awards will celebrate their 40th anniversary, and Brooks & Dunn are expected to win top country duo for the 40th consecutive year — well, no, not really that many. It just feels that way.
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have taken home the trophy in that category every year since 1992, with the exception of one (the 2001 award went to Montgomery Gentry), and the pair looks to be a lock to win this year as well. Brooks & Dunn are also nominated in five other categories (the six total nods match Brad Paisley for the most this year), and the two will host the show and perform the opening number, their "Building Bridges," along with Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill.
That's not to say that the duo is lonely in the contemporary spotlight of Nashville. Just the opposite. It's been a strong and diverse year for country music; the heartland genre is one of the few pop music sounds that is enjoying increased sales from last year and can claim the top-selling CD act of 2006 in Rascal Flatts and the year's top-grossing tour run, by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
There's also a raft of up-and-coming acts, among them Sugarland and "American Idol" star Carrie Underwood, two acts that have topped the 3-million mark in CDs sold in the U.S. in a generally soft retail marketplace.
Country is accustomed to cyclical surges to the top of pop, but this time instead of one or two crossover mega stars (say Garth Brooks and Shania Twain or Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton) the genre is succeeding with a wider gallery of diverse talent. One of the most successful faces in that gallery will be a no-show tonight: Keith Urban, nominated in four categories, recently checked into rehab, and it will be interesting to see how his peers on the broadcast address (or don't address) the star's public admission of personal turmoil.
The CMAs topped the Grammy Awards last year in audience size and may again tonight: The Grammys try to be all things to all people, but the CMAs stay on message for a well-defined audience that is enjoying a rich scene at the moment.
One other difference between the Grammys and the CMAs is a curiosity in their history books: Alison Krauss has won more Grammys than any other woman, but she's only got one CMA trophy on her mantel and just four career nominations. Shucks, maybe Brooks & Dunn can spare a few …
*
— Geoff Boucher
http://www.calendarlive.com/music/cl-et-weekpop6nov06,0,2721337.story?coll=cl-music
RKSTFan
11-06-2006, 11:37am
In other words another boring award show.
Yep. Another boring show with predictable winners in most (all?) categories.
Note: If BON JOVI (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1520) and Jennifer Nettles win in the Musical Event category tonight, BON JOVI (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=1520) will have the same number of CMA wins as Shania (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=704) - ONE. :scowl: :mad:
Shania (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=704) already has the same number of CMA trophies as Jimmy Buffett (http://www.cmaawards.com/2006/database/ArtistDetail.aspx?artistId=461) - ONE.
There's definitely something wrong there. :scowl:
Yep. Another boring show with predictable winners in most (all?) categories.
There's definitely something wrong there. :scowl:
You got that right.
RKSTFan
11-06-2006, 11:57pm
Wow! Did anyone else catch Faith Hill's nasty reaction when Carrie Underwood's name was called as Female Vocalist tonight?
It's just like Faith's 1999 CMA reaction to Shania's EOTY win...except Faith was on-camera tonight.
Here are the 2006 CMA winners:
Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Male Vocalist
Keith Urban
Female Vocalist
Carrie Underwood
Album of the Year
"Time Well Wasted" - Brad Paisley
Vocal Group
Rascal Flatts
Vocal Duo
Brooks & Dunn
Song of the Year
"Believe" - Brooks & Dunn
Single of the Year
"Believe" - Brooks & Dunn
Video of the Year
"Believe" - Brooks & Dunn
Horizon Award
Carrie Underwood
Musical Event
"When I Get Where I'm Going" - Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton
twaintrain
11-07-2006, 12:13am
YAY for CARRIE, Brad, and Keith!!!:)
PomLover
11-07-2006, 12:33am
Wow! Did anyone else catch Faith Hill's nasty reaction when Carrie Underwood's name was called as Female Vocalist tonight?
It's just like Faith's 1999 CMA reaction to Shania's EOTY win...except Faith was on-camera tonight....
Yes, I caught it! Wow, I had to replay the DVR several times to try to figure out what she said. It looked like an indignant "WHAT?!?!?!?". I can't stand sore losers and I lost a lot of respect for Faith tonight. :rolleyes:
On a plus note, yay for Carrie!!! :great:
Congrats to Carrie she deserved both awards. :bounce:
Yes, I caught it! Wow, I had to replay the DVR several times to try to figure out what she said. It looked like an indignant "WHAT?!?!?!?". I can't stand sore losers and I lost a lot of respect for Faith tonight. :rolleyes:
On a plus note, yay for Carrie!!! :great:
I am reading on the cmt board that people are saying she was joking and laughing about it. Does anybody have a cap, pic or a clip of this?
PomLover
11-07-2006, 12:52am
No way. She was not joking. She was really mad. Although I'm sure she will "claim" she was joking to save face. ;)
Jamie88
11-07-2006, 1:03am
I am reading on the cmt board that people are saying she was joking and laughing about it. Does anybody have a cap, pic or a clip of this?
Faith was smiling and laughing before they said Carrie's name, but not after. When Carrie was announced as the winner, Faith yelled and walked away from the camera.
It is going to be interesting on how Faith will clear up this mess.
You can see photos here.
http://www.yahoo.com/s/431374
RKSTFan
11-07-2006, 1:20am
Thanks to modern technology, there's already a Video of Faith's reaction to Carrie's win.
A video of the whole Female Vocalist thing, including Faith's reaction, is available on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_P-aYADTkw).
That link was provided by someone on the Pulse boards (http://pulsemusic.proboards48.com/index.cgi).
In the video, it definitely looks like Faith is not joking.
Jamie88
11-07-2006, 1:28am
Didn't Faith get angry at an awards show a few years ago when Shania beat Tim for an award?
Faith must really have a temper on her! :funny:
SHANIANUTS!
11-07-2006, 1:32am
I am reading on the cmt board that people are saying she was joking and laughing about it. Does anybody have a cap, pic or a clip of this?..that board is a credible source?
Shaniabomber99
11-07-2006, 7:58am
What was Faiths Prob?
Carley
I was outraged at Faith's reaction. I don't know what her problem was. Her reaction wasn't very professional. Carrie did a fantastic job lastnight and really deserved that award. Maybe it's just me but Sara really didn't seem into it during her performance. But that is understandable considering what she has been through. I am most pleased with Kix & Ronnie dominating the show with 4 awards out of 7 nominations. I believe they have won vocal duo of the year 14 years in a row now!! It was great to see George inducted into the country music hall of fame and a great performance of his new single "Give It Away".
The moment of the night, at least backstage and on a lot of TiVos, belonged to Faith Hill.
Even though she didn't win.
Hill, a nominee for female vocalist, was on camera along with fellow contenders Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson and Carrie Underwood. When Underwood was announced as the winner, the camera caught Hill with arms raised, as if poised to accept, then a split second later mouthing a surprised, "What?"
Sandra Westerman of Borman Entertainment, Hill's management company, says Hill was just joking and didn't know she was on camera: "She would never disrespect one of the other artists."
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/awards/2006-11-07-faith-hill-reaction_x.htm?csp=34
I was outraged at Faith's reaction. I don't know what her problem was. Her reaction wasn't very professional. Carrie did a fantastic job lastnight and really deserved that award. Maybe it's just me but Sara really didn't seem into it during her performance. But that is understandable considering what she has been through. I am most pleased with Kix & Ronnie dominating the show with 4 awards out of 7 nominations. I believe they have won vocal duo of the year 14 years in a row now!! It was great to see George inducted into the country music hall of fame and a great performance of his new single "Give It Away".
Brooks and Dunn haven't won the award 14 years in a row because Montgomery Gentry won it in 2000.
The Tennessean - Tuesday, 11/07/06
Nov. 7: Here are some immediate and often unrelated thoughts, Larry King style, from backstage at the CMA Awards:
By PETER COOPER
Staff Writer
Want the good news first or the bad? Okay, bad it is. I simply cannot believe how bad the sound remains at most country awards shows, including the CMAs. Seems to me that the whole “promote our great artists” thing falls completely away when those artists sound terrible. The CMA has spent a bunch of money trying to overhaul the sound, and thus far the result has been kind of like spending $10,000 to fix up a rusted, decrepit old Chevy Vega. Either some of country’s top performers can’t sing as well as your average bar band vocalist or some of television’s top engineers can’t run sound as well as your average bar band sound dude. Anyone who watches Austin City Limits or The Tonight Show with Jay Leno knows that television performances do not have to sound this way. Now, an arena is a much more difficult sonic environment than a television studio, but some of the troubles seem like they’d be such simple fixes: Turn Martina’s vocal down some in the mix, for instance, so she doesn’t completely overpower the backing track with that powerful voice of hers. Or figure out what the deal is with Chesney’s level. And that’s after each act had at least two rehearsals…
Sam Bush is regarded as one of the finest and most innovative mandolin players in the world. Monday, he performed with Alan Jackson but didn’t bring his mandolin.
“I’m just a harmony vocalist tonight,” he said. “It feels kind of funny up there without my instrument.”…
Speaking of funny, I wish the show was funnier. The best comedic moment came when Kimberly Williams-Paisley couldn’t read the teleprompter and improvised some funny stuff…
Craig Wiseman, who co-wrote song of the year winner “Believe” with Ronnie Dunn, popped backstage to the press area before the show. Wiseman is known to paint one toenail prior to the big awards shows, for reasons of good luck and general goofiness, but he wasn’t displaying any of his beauty work Monday night. “I even wore socks tonight,” he grimaced. “And underwear, too.”…
Randy Scruggs, a tremendous guitarist and renowned producer, added to the Scruggs family’s considerable legacy with his third win in the top musician category…
Isn’t it about time for a unilateral ban on the use of the word “hotties,” a word that brings dignity neither to speaker nor subject? Isn’t that one about over yet? Please? No?…
Josh Turner got himself a Justin Timberlake-like haircut…
That Kellie Pickler lady sounds like she might be from the south…
Kris Kristofferson came backstage to speak to the press corps and said “Don’t feel bad if you don’t have any questions. I’ll be back on that bus in a minute.” Then someone asked him about William Blake. Kristofferson mentioned Blake’s notion that if a fool persists in his folly he will become wise. “I ought to be the smartest son-of-a-(gun) in the room,” he said. Then someone asked him if he had a message for his British fans, and he said “No”…
Lots of talk backstage centered around the expression on Faith Hill’s face when Carrie Underwood was announced as the female vocalist winner. She looked at least taken aback, and at most outright angry about the outcome. Personally, I think it’s possible that she couldn’t hear the announcement and that’s why she said, “What?” Or else it could be that she was rooting hard for her friend Martina McBride to win and become the CMA’s all-time female vocalist win leader. I doubt seriously that she was angry because she thought that she herself should have won: If that was the case, I think there’s no way she would have allowed herself an on-camera outburst. Faith didn’t come backstage to talk to the press after the show, so I have no way of knowing exactly what she was thinking. That’s right, just forget everything I just wrote…
Brad Paisley did come backstage, and I can tell you that he is one funny guy, and he’s a happy fellow as well. The best album win meant a lot to him…
Chesney looked relieved, and ready to party…
Nice to see Barbara Mandrell up there onstage. The CMA did a good job this year of honoring a wealth of country performers, both contemporary and retired. Mandrell was around, Kristofferson got camera time and each of the three new Hall of Fame inductees were able to speak. A couple of years ago, all Carl Smith got to do was stand up and wave. It’s a classy and proper thing for the CMA and the show producers to pay attention to such legends…
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061107/ENTERTAINMENT/61106066/1072/ENTERTAINMENT06
FinnFreak
11-07-2006, 9:46am
It certainly didn't look like Faith was just joking around... poor thing - the media will go nuts with this...
John - :sad:
canoilers
11-07-2006, 9:57am
Faith was smiling and laughing before they said Carrie's name, but not after. When Carrie was announced as the winner, Faith yelled and walked away from the camera.It kinda seemed to me she thought she was taking home the award the way she raised her arms before the WHAT. I'm kinda bummed Shania wasn't there, that would've been so nice.
Speaking of Faith flipping out I had no idea this wasn't the first time. I didn't know she flipped out for Shania too. Tisk tisk tisk.
Puzzled
-- Question. How can you win both the "Horizon" and the "Top Female Vocalist" awards, as Carrie Underwood did at last night's CMA Awards? You'd think it would be one or the other.
The latter award says you've made it, while the former says you're on your way. Which is it? I asked Faith Hill to explain it to me, but she's locked herself in the restroom and won't come out.
Oh well. Thanks to her, there was at least one honest moment on last night's show.
-countrynation
Can't you take a joke?
-- Faith Hill claims she was just joking when cameras at last night's CMA Awards caught her screaming "WHAT?" when she lost the female vocalist of the year award to Carrie Underwood. (See video at right)
"The idea that I would act disrespectful towards a fellow musician is unimaginable to me," Hill said in a statement.
"For this to become a focus of attention given the talent gathered is utterly ridiculous. Carrie is a talented and deserving Female Vocalist of The Year."
Adding; A guy walks into a bar with a monkey.....
Ratings hum a country tune
-- The CMA Awards, telecast on its new network Monday, brought home a ratings win for ABC. The network averaged a 9.9 rating/15 share for the night, down some from last year's awards on CBS, but the best of the night.
sarahjean1982
11-07-2006, 2:37pm
Yes, I caught it! Wow, I had to replay the DVR several times to try to figure out what she said. It looked like an indignant "WHAT?!?!?!?". I can't stand sore losers and I lost a lot of respect for Faith tonight. :rolleyes:
On a plus note, yay for Carrie!!! :great:
I can't believe how she reacted. She did say "What!!!!!". I think she is just pissed off because she thought that she had it in the bag. That just goes to show you that you should not count your chickens before your hatch. I know she grew up in Mississippi and she must not have learned that. I totally think that Carrie should have got the award no matter what anyone else says.
Faith Hill says CMA freakout just a joke
Country star says she meant no disrespect to winner Carrie Underwood
NEW YORK - Faith Hill insists she's no Kanye West.
The country music superstar says she was just joking when cameras showed her screaming "WHAT?" in apparent anger when she lost the female vocalist of the year award to newcomer Carrie Underwood at the Country Music Association Awards ceremony Monday night in Nashville.
"The idea that I would act disrespectful towards a fellow musician is unimaginable to me," Hill said in a statement. "For this to become a focus of attention given the talent gathered is utterly ridiculous. Carrie is a talented and deserving Female Vocalist of The Year."
Media outlets and blogs zeroed in on Hill's reaction after Underwood's name was announced at the ceremony. While other nominees — Sara Evans, Gretchen Wilson, Martina McBride — gave the typical gracious loser smile, Hill, who was standing backstage, turned to the camera and shouted "WHAT?"
Although her voice could not be heard, it was clear from her lips what she said. She looked visibly upset and then it looked as if she was storming off.
However, Hill said it was all a joke, and her manager, Gary Borman, echoed that: "I've worked with Faith for many years now and the idea that she would ever insult or undermine another artist, let alone another human being's success is absolutely preposterous. Those who know her know that she's incapable of such actions," he said in a statement.
She was being playful while the nominations were being read and playful after."
Underwood also didn’t take it seriously, according to her publicist, Jessie Schmidt, who said that Hill spoke to Underwood after the show and that the two were fine.
Underwood, the 2005 "American Idol" champ, has become a triple platinum success since releasing her debut album late last year. Hill is a longtime darling of country music with crossover pop appeal.
This is the second time in less than a week that an awards show loss has resulted in an (apparent) on-camera freakout by a loser. Last week, Kanye West stormed the stage at the MTV Europe Music Awards and interrupted the speech of the winners, claiming his video deserved the honor.
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/15605665
I cannot understand how anyone could think that Faith was being serious. It is extremely obvious that she was just joking. You could tell she was in a playful and jokey mood when they said her name and it continued when they announced the winner. She was faking being p*ssed off. She has done the same thing when she has been standing next to Tim and he wins--they pretend that they are mad when the other wins.
I guess a lot of people lack sense of humors or just like to look for something that does not exist.
Yes, she was really, really angry lol
PomLover
11-07-2006, 10:21pm
I cannot understand how anyone could think that Faith was being serious. It is extremely obvious that she was just joking. You could tell she was in a playful and jokey mood when they said her name and it continued when they announced the winner. She was faking being p*ssed off. She has done the same thing when she has been standing next to Tim and he wins--they pretend that they are mad when the other wins.
I guess a lot of people lack sense of humors or just like to look for something that does not exist.
Yes, she was really, really angry lol
Well whether she was "joking" or not, it doesn't really seem to be working for her, does it now? :rolleyes:
maggie_82
11-07-2006, 10:24pm
well i just got back from nashville today i was at the cmas i think there is a good chances that all was a joke i have seen faith cheer for carrie before at a award show so i think it is all being blowed up real big there were a few people in front of me booing when carrie won but oh well that is the biz for you :funny:
well i just got back from nashville today i was at the cmas i think there is a good chances that all was a joke i have seen faith cheer for carrie before at a award show so i think it is all being blowed up real big there were a few people in front of me booing when carrie won but oh well that is the biz for you :funny:
I don't know if it was a joke or not Mag, but you are right about everything in show biz ... everything is always blown out of proportion
FinnFreak
11-07-2006, 10:45pm
...and maybe Faith really is a better actor than we think...
John - ;)
maggie_82
11-07-2006, 11:03pm
...and maybe Faith really is a better actor than we think...
John - ;)
could be who really knows what goes on in singers heads i just know i wish we all could get along and hope that it is but a joke oh well..
twaintrain
11-07-2006, 11:36pm
I cannot understand how anyone could think that Faith was being serious. It is extremely obvious that she was just joking. You could tell she was in a playful and jokey mood when they said her name and it continued when they announced the winner. She was faking being p*ssed off. She has done the same thing when she has been standing next to Tim and he wins--they pretend that they are mad when the other wins.
I guess a lot of people lack sense of humors or just like to look for something that does not exist.
Yes, she was really, really angry lol
I agree. She had the same reaction when Tim beat her last year at the CMT awards. She was just joking then I believe she was joking last night. People are making her out to be some kind of witch. I think it's unfair. People need to give others the benefit of a doubt.
Lee Ann Rimes posted a very nasty reply on her website defending Faith which was taken down after Faith released her statement to USA Today, according to EW.
From "Entertainment Weekly" site AND the "Country Weekly" boards:
Even some of her defenders didn't get that it was a joke. On her website, LeAnn Rimes briefly posted a message that said: "She was just being honest and emotional like every other person sitting at home with an opinion. These awards shows are SO political and we all get fed up with them. We all work very hard and have for many years so to see someone come in and win Female Vocalist that has been here for a VERY short time is a little disheartening. That is why we have the Horizon award and Carrie had an incredible year, enough to sweep that one. I don't think Faith was angry about her loss, she probably felt, as I did that Carrie has not paid her dues long enough to fully deserve that award. As artists and public figures, we have to keep our feelings so repressed so we don't get called ungrateful as Faith has on this board many times now. She is a very sweet and gracious woman, whom I adore. Please cut her some slack!" Yikes. With defenses like that... Suffice it to say that Rimes withdrew the posting after Hill issued the statement about the whole thing being a gag.
Settle down, kids!
-- Clarence Spalding, President of the CMA Board Of Directors has weighed in on Faith Hill's on-camera reaction during the announcement of the Female Vocalist of the Year Award, at Monday night's CMA Awards.
Spalding says in a statement.....
"Having been there, I can assure you that Faith was in no way being disrespectful of Carrie Underwood or her accomplishments. It was a playful moment caught on camera that has been blown out of proportion and taken out of context.
Faith has always shown the utmost respect for Country Music artists and the CMA Awards. This inadvertent moment does not reflect who she is as a performer or a respected member of this community."
RKSTFan
11-08-2006, 1:50am
Faith has always shown the utmost respect for Country Music artists and the CMA Awards. This inadvertent moment does not reflect who she is as a performer or a respected member of this community."
I guess he must have missed the 1999 CMA awards and the 2000 CMA awards. :uhh:
FinnFreak
11-08-2006, 6:14am
I didn't see it as her being disrespectful. Just honestly disappointed.
She's a singer - NOT an actor... obviously.
(and NOT a comedienne either - though this whole thing is kinda funny)
John - ;)
CMAs play it too straight
By Sarah Rodman, Globe Staff | November 8, 2006
With all of the drama that occurs in country music songs , you'd think the annual awards show celebrating it would have a little fire in its belly from all those real mean bottles and adulterous spouses.
But instead of a spirited yee-haw, Monday night's 40th annual Country Music Association Awards on ABC were decidedly ho-hum as the other side of Nashville -- the polite, bland side -- stole the spotlight for three pleasantly innocuous hours. God, country radio , and fans were dutifully and repeatedly thanked and lots of mediocre ballads were sung in sometimes surprisingly thin voices. (This means you , Rascal Flatts).
The fashions -- lots of prim blouses, jeans , and pinstripes -- were a yawn ; the Bedazzler and décolletage have clearly lost favor in Music City. And even one - time rabble - rouser Kris Kristofferson was the picture of a grizzled elder statesman handing out hall of fame awards.
The night's big winners Brooks & Dunn -- who copped a trio of awards for their spiritually themed hit "Believe" -- also played host. Kix Brooks likely probably wasn't kidding when he said he and Ronnie Dunn's three-year stint has only made Vince Gill's decade-plus run as the MC look better. While Gill, who charmed in a performance with Sheryl Crow, wife Amy Grant, and daughter Jenny, was slyly funny and disarming, the musically gifted Brooks & Dunn were strictly time-killers.
Most of the sparks that did fly throughout the evening -- in which there were just nine trophies awarded and a whopping 18 performances -- were generated by the female nominees and presenters.
Martina McBride soared on the uplifting "Anyway," which will undoubtedly be the audition song of choice for wannabe country stars for season six of "American Idol."
Although her microphone-hurling, guitar-smashing antics rang false , Miranda Lambert tore into the hell-hath-no-fury barnburner "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," and the Wreckers -- Jessica Harp and pop thrush Michelle Branch going down - home -- harmonized beautifully on "Leave the Pieces."
Faith Hill scored major points for bringing on terrific Stoughton singer-songwriter Lori McKenna to back her on McKenna's gem about a desperate housewife , "Stealing Kisses , " and later for comically expressing mock outrage into the camera at losing female vocalist of the year to season four "American Idol" champ Carrie Underwood. Underwood also won the Horizon Award for best new artist and sang her sassy "Before He Cheats."
The two most buzzed- about nominees, Sara Evans and Keith Urban -- both painfully suffering through country music songs come to life -- made little impact on the show. Evans, embroiled in a sex-scandal-plagued divorce, also lost to Underwood and did a fine stiff - upper - lip rendition of her hit "Real Fine Place to Start." Urban, who entered rehab last month for alcohol abuse, won for male vocalist of the year and was rewarded with a standing ovation as Dunn read his acceptance speech.
Only Kimberly Williams-Paisley, wife of album of the year winner Brad Paisley and star of ABC's "According to Jim," got into the spirit, getting the night's only true laugh line. The actress apologized for having to rely on co presenter Gary Allan to read the teleprompter , saying her pregnancy has had an unfortunate effect on her sight. After Allan praised the musicians in the vocal group category, Williams-Paisely quipped "I married one of them, and now I'm knocked up and blind."
Sounds like the start of a good country song.
http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2006/11/08/cmas_play_it_too_straight/
maggie_82
11-08-2006, 4:55pm
i was watching the cmt insider early this morning before i went to work.katie stated that carrie made a statment about it said that faith called her the next day and told her sorry .that ,that ment alot to her that she said sorry for doing that .as for the awards in 1999 and 2000 i really didnt know about the reaction she gave to shania i will today at some point yank my tapes out and watch those award shows are blurry to me what shania won that she acted that way i dont think in away faith ment it but if she keeps makeing this mistake mabe she should just smile for now on stead of jokeing about in that way .i have my agrement and disagrement with some of the things leanne rimes stated on her website i do think it was early for that award for her..but it has been proven in the past that artest such as garth brooks won like that.so being at that said carrie did not chosse to vote her self a winner it was the voters so more power to her and congrats .she had a wonderfull year she did infact sale over 4 millon albums and is a taltent singer cant wait till her next album she has said she is doing some writeing on the next album .and i love when a singer writes there own songs .
MiniShaniaTwain
11-08-2006, 6:28pm
I'm very happy for Carrie, and I think Faith Hill was kidding around. She didn't look like she was mad.
Me and my mom think Faith is getting too big for her britches. We both felt Faith meant it and had a chip on her shoulder and thought it was very unprofessional. We look at her in a different way now. Mom says she has been on Tim's success.
Hill gets backup from fellow singers
By Beverly Keel, USA TODAY
Several country stars are rallying to the defense of Faith Hill, whose on-camera antics during Monday's Country Music Association Awards have created a national stir.
As Carrie Underwood was announced the winner of the female vocalist award, Hill looked at the camera, said "What?" and turned away. She said in a statement Tuesday that she had been joking.
Underwood had no comment on Wednesday. Her publicist, Jessie Schmidt, said that she was not upset about the joke and that everything was cleared up in a congratulatory phone call.
Still, other Nashville stars are speaking up for Hill:
•Her close friend Martina McBride: "She just didn't think it would come off the way that people are perceiving that it came off. It didn't translate across the television in the way in which she meant it."
•Sara Evans: "I was in the dressing room with Faith after the category was announced. ... She was not upset that Carrie won and in fact was very happy for her."
•Kenny Chesney: "To think Faith would be disrespectful in that way is a joke, which is what it was in the first place, a joke."
•Big Kenny of Big & Rich: "I guess John (Rich) and I should start issuing disclaimers before we goof around. Of course in our case, it wouldn't help."
Editor's note: Beverly Keel writes for The (Nashville) Tennessean.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2006-11-09-faith-follow-up_x.htm?POE=LIFISVA
I find it interesting that the Dixie Chicks and Toby Keith were nowhere to be found. Did they not have qualifying albums out?
RKSTFan
11-09-2006, 3:14pm
Hill gets backup from fellow singers
By Beverly Keel, USA TODAY
Several country stars are rallying to the defense of Faith Hill, whose on-camera antics during Monday's Country Music Association Awa