CMA Award Nominations: Some Initial Observations
Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, George Strait, Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley are among the top nominees for the 2008 CMA Awards. Scanning the list released Wednesday (Sept. 10), a few things jump out. First of all, Rascal Flatts didn't get a nomination for entertainer of the year, a category they've been in for the past two years. It's hard to argue with the EOY nominees -- Chesney, Paisley, Strait, Sugarland and Keith Urban -- although Rascal Flatts have performed more than 80 concerts this year alone, with most of them being sold-out shows. Despite the big business at the box office, it appears that the CMA members didn't find them quite as entertaining as the other acts this time around. The trio did get nominated for vocal group of the year.
Another observation: Trace Adkins received his first CMA nomination in a decade. He was previously nominated for the Horizon Award in 1997 and 1998, and his "Every Light in the House" received a music video of the year nomination in 1997. This year, he received a single of the year nomination for "You're Gonna Miss This," which also brought a music video of the year nomination for Adkins and director Peter Zavadil.
And the fact that the now-defunct Wreckers still managed to get a nomination for vocal duo is an indication of how few viable vocal duos are out there. But, still ... instead of the Wreckers, couldn't the CMA voters have given the nomination to the Bellamy Brothers? I mean, how much would that have hurt?
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Lee Ann says:
Hooray for Trace Adkins!!! LONG OVERDUE!!!
I agree…..what is up with the Wreckers getting a nomination?!?
Trace Adkins Fan in Ky says:
I’m glad that Trace Adkins finally got a nomination, but what does he have to do to get a male vocalist nod. As far as i’m concerned he’s one of the best singers and best entertainers out there, male or female. For what it’s worth Trace, know you have a huge fan in Kentucky! Keep putting out that great music and good luck at the CMA’s. You deserve to win!!!!!!!!
Cricket from Froggy 104 says:
I keep wondering why Josh Turner doesn’t ever get nominated for male vocalist of the year. He gives me goosebumps every time he opens his mouth!
I think Rascal Flatts may be missing from the entertainer nominees because of that second-rate TV performance with Jamie Foxx. Gary had bronchitis but performed anyway–not a good choice. Singing with a smashed ankle like Kenny Chesney did this summer makes sense, but giving your voice the rest it needs is important when you risk disappointing thousands of ticket buyers at your upcoming tour dates.
MyraRobinson says:
I’m glad Tim didn’t get any nominations. What has he done lately? Absolutely nothing for a Fan of his to be Proud of that’s for sure. Great Job Kenny!!
Another Observation says:
Since Kellie Pickler is one of the best vocalists, why was she overlooked for top female vocalist again? Are some CMA and ACM members voting more on promotion, sales, and airplay than actual talent? Who delivered the best performance on the 2007 CMA Awards and earned a standing ovation and CMT Performance of the Year award for it? Kellie Pickler.
mtmitton1049 says:
I am a huge Kenny fan. Congratulations to Kenny for all of his hard work. He is Deserving of all his nominations!
Lee Ann says:
I agree with you “Another Observation”……If Taylor Swift is going to be nominated…..then Kellie Pickler definitely deserves to be there….after all….this is the “BEST FEMALE VOCALIST” category…….and we all know about Taylors vocals…..at least live anyway…….but Kellie definitely sings way better than Taylor……also, Kellie’s songs have more depth, and she definitely has more vocal range……..Taylor…..well, not much to say, unfortunately. There are far more female vocalists who truly deserve that spot….CLEARLY, the CMA’s are about album sales and popularity….they should change the award to BEST FEMALE MONEY MAKER….because obviously VOCALS have nothing to do with this award. And this is being based on the nominations….not who will ACTUALLY win!
JW says:
I’m wondering the same thing as Cricket. Josh Turner should get a nomination for Male Vocalist and he definitely deserved one for Album. Congrats to him and Trisha on getting one for Another Try!
Trace Adkins Fan in Ky says:
Let’s face it the “powers that be” for some reason fall in love with a certain artist and that’s who they stay with. You pretty much know who’s going to win before you even watch the award shows.
RF fan says:
I think it is absurd that Rascal Flatts was not nominated for EOTY. Give me a break. Have you seen one of their unbelievable show?
Gena says:
Congratulations to Sugarland for Entertainer of the Year nomination!!! Well-deserved. They have busted their a– all year to be “out there” for their fans in every aspect. They put on a great, energetic, fun show and love their fans…
mtmitton1049 says:
Taylor Swift should have never been considered for Female Vocalist. My Goodness, she cannot sing. She can write music, but not perform it. This categort should go to Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood. Sorry Taylor, your voice is as awkward as your looks.
Another Observation says:
I hope CMA members at least vote for Kellie to win New Artist of the Year. She deserved to win last year and since there is a 2 year limit on getting nominated this will be the last year she can qualify. She’s one of the best performers and made one of the best albums, it just wasn’t promoted and played on radio as much as other new artists. Her best songs including I Wonder deserved to be #1 hits!
And next year we want to see Kellie in the Female Vocalist of the Year catagory! :)
RF Fan says:
Another Observation, I totally agree with you about Kelli Pickler. I’ve seen her open for Rascal Flatts several times and she can really sing. Taylor Swift is not as good vocally as Kelli. I really hope Kelli Pickler wins the new artist award.
Diana says:
I scratch my head every year over some of the noms. The year that Give It Away got best single, etc., dumbfounded me since it was not nearly the hit on radio or sales as CU song was. How Taylor got a nom for female vocalist is the biggest ?. The girl is cute as a button, writes good tween songs and is a sweetypie, but come on now! Your ears hurt when she performs live. How can anyone in the music biz nom her for this award with a straight face? If she wins, every country fan should turn country radio off for life and quit buying records. I think artist should be awarded for their true accomplishments, not whos record label puts out the most money or whatever for the nom. When she got the nom, a lot of good country ladies who can really sing were overlooked. Im also tired of the way the men always overshadow the women in these award shows. Its like country awards are stuck in the olden days.
Angelika says:
Once again the CMA’s show that they support certain artists more than others. For the past few years, I and many other fans of Tim McGraw has seen him “overlooked” again. It is beyond my realm of thinking that with everything that Tim and Faith have done over the past few years, all the charities and the individual achievements that each has had, once again they are overlooked. The funniest think about it is, they always believe that thy are good enough for them to want one or both to perform, but they are not good enough to nominate in the categories that they would be eligible for.
Fan says:
No viable vocal duos? Halfway to Hazard has been opening for Tim McGraw two years in a row. They were nominated for an ACM last year and they deserve more than a nod from CMA. They are definitely THE vocal due of the year.
B.W. LaRoy says:
I hope…for the sake of idocracy…that…The Wreckers win this year and next year and the year after that and when they have great great grandchildren.
Svanna says:
If taylor swift were to get a nom, I wouldve thought it was in album of the year since shes sold so many and that honors writers and producers. She certainly should never be nominated as vocalist. Give me a break!!! The next time you hear her live, shut your eyes and listen. Dont look at her cute face, pretty hair or big smile, just listen. Know what? Bet you hit the mute button like I do, every single time!
Carol says:
Where are….Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Sara Evans
Faith Hill
and many more talented artists that get looked over every year for what is ‘hot’ at the moment.
These awards make me sick.
I am happy about all of the Kenny Chesney nominations, love him, and he deserves them.
Don’t think Sugarland should have gotten an EOTY nomination.
I guesse I am one of the few people who does not see what all the fuzz is about, sorry.
Amanda H says:
I am from Canada and was shocked to hear that Tim McGraw and Faith Hill was not nominated. We love country music and just feel that the CMA have not recognized Tim & Faith’s talent. I defintely would not be watching the CMA this year. Anyway we have their CDs and that’s all that matters.
(Please do not publish my email)
countryfan11 says:
I’m with all of you in support of Kellie Pickler. She has better voice for singing than her buddy Taylor & with several singles under her belt, Kellie isn’t exactly a “new girl on the block.” C’mon. Next year Kellie, your fans are pulling for you. Loved you in WA state concert!
what? says:
Can someone please explain to me the criteria for EOTY? I mean, seriously, George Strait and Alan Jackson are country legends… but what have they done this past year? Sure they have good singles, but do they even tour? Do they even sell millions of records any more? This award should just go to Kenny Chesney and not even nominate anyone else. Keith Urban is nominated (and deservedly so) who toured with Carrie Underwood to sold out shows. It was a co-headlining tour, so Carrie should deserve equal credit there. Plus she has had 3 #1 singles, and sold 3 million copies. I just don’t get it.
what? says:
It seems like the CMA is stuck in the mud. Are they scared to boot old artists from the major categories? I feel like it is causing more of a stir amongst country fans by them not nominating people who are actually deserving and instead sticking with the old guns. Change is good, CMA… now dig yourself out of the mud and move on. Some country fans are resistant to change, but more people would be country fans if things were so predictable with the industry.
Staci says:
I can’t believe RF didn’t get nminated for EOTY!!! I’ve bee to their concert 2yrs in a row they are awesome!!!!! I also wish they got nominated for either Song or Single af the year for “Every Day” because that song is just so powerful.
Kelly says:
If I were Tim and Faith, I would tell the CMA people to buzz off! It is just crap that they always get overlooked. They have one of the highest grossing tours and still don’t get nominated for anything?!! The CMA’s sure do show them on the promotions so they get people to watch but guess what? I will NOT be watching this year.
countryfan11 says:
What exactly IS the criteria for being nominated for EOY? Does anyone know? Is it based solely on concert/ticket sales? Placement on the charts? Record/CD sales? All of the above or combination thereof? Playing favorites? Eeny, meeny, miny, mo, who did we nominate LAST year? Pick a card, any card?
Who knows?
just my opinion says:
I say forget about the CMA’s. I could go on all day about overlooked singers: Blake Shelton, Tim and Faith,(they’ve always been left out. Tim should have won several male vocalist and entertainer of the year awards by now.)Sarah Evans, Trace Adkins, and even the Dixie Chicks. Don’t even get me started on what the CMA’s, ACM’s, country radio, and even the fans, did to them! All I care about is good music and good singing. I wish the award shows would follow suit!!!!!!! Could someone please tell why Allison Krause, I don’t get it!!!!!!!
Donna says:
Congrats to Trace! The man has one of the best voices in country. For a great show, see Trace live. Plus his vocals are much better live than on the radio.
Congrats to Sugarland, nice to see a new name in the EOTY catagory
Although I don’t understand why the Wreckers were nominated (they aren’t even together anymore) at least the Dixie Chicks weren’t nominated. The Chicks had a great sound but pretty much dismissed the country world. Country embarrassed themselves when they kept nominating them for awards. It had to be about money since there is no other reason for that mess.
just my opinion says:
I just have to respond to Donna’s comment. Maybe you were out of the country when the whole Dixie Chicks thing went down so I’ll fill you in. They did not distance themselves from country music, their so called fans dropped them when things got tough. Do you not recall this because I do. I will not go into all the details because that will just open a can of worms. All I can say if they made those comments today most people would agree with them. I for one miss the Chicks on country radio, but to be honest country doesn’t deserve them anymore!!!!!!
Just one more thought their last CD was awesome!!!!! Plus it took every award it was nominated for at the Grammy’s that year.
But this is just my opinion. I’m sure there are others who miss the Chicks and think they were done wrong!!!!!!
Country fan says:
The Wreckers??? How about Halfway to Hazard!!! At least they are still together and had a major tour the past two years and had music out the past two years and an album out the past two years!!!
Cricket from Froggy 104 says:
According to Kenny Chesney’s response to his fan-voted EOTY win at the ACMs this year, I’m thinking the qualification for that award at any ceremony is to be the hardest working guy out there…which is why it’s only a matter of time until Dierks Bentley gets a nomination.
Nashville Girl says:
Ok first of all it is congrats to all of them on the nominations but I would like to point out that besides Faith Hill and Tim McGraw but also missing is GARY ALLAN.. he might be an opening act for Kenny and let me tell you I have been to the Nashville concert and the Massachusetts concert and Gary was outstanding….he had everyone there on their feet and singing along with him and I have even been to his concert at Floore Country Store and that concert blew ME away!! His performance level and his ability to connect with his audience and how his dedication to his music and work shows in all that he does and not to even get a single nod for “Watching Airplanes” or “Learning on How to Bend” - pleasssssssssssseeee !!
His videos aired just as much and more as some of the others!! Its very dishearting to see this… I will not take away anything anyone else has done that is for sure but what does it take to reach the level of recognition of someone like Gary Allan!! He has come so far in this industry and to me it seems like being shunned for what reason!! Ever fairground I have been to and seen him play it is packed— at our local bar when its jukebox night his songs are always played!! Its amazing and I just had to say something…..
Ms. Feathers says:
I propose to the CMA that they institute a whole new award. It would be the “Big Deal of the Year” award, or the BDotY. That would allow new, hot, up-n-comers like Taylor Swift to win an award for making the biggest splash, regardless of their talents. I’m not saying Taylor’s not talented, she is supremely so, and she’s also writing her own songs, so she’s going to be with us for many many years. OR it could be given to anyone at any stage in their career if they’ve made a big splash for some reason. Rascal Flatts could have won it a few years ago. Garth could have won it in ‘05 for his “not a comeback comeback”. The Chicks could have won it in ‘03 for making their splashy big deal. You get the idea.
Also, if you’re up for BDotY, then you can’t be nominated for other big awards like EotY or M/FVotY and Album of the Year.
That’s my proposal.
It appears that the CMA (and the ACM, too) have a thing about “seniority” - you have to EARN that EotY trophy, and it must be “bestowed upon you” in recognition of your status in the industry, not necessarily whether you are the most *entertaining* artist out there. If it were purely based on BEST ENTERTAINER, Keith Urban would win it every year. But some people seem to think that selling out stadiums and having a zillion hits in one year qualifies one to be the best entertainer. Being “popular” doesn’t necessarily = talent. We can all think of popular artists with little talent. And if we’re talking profits from ticket sales, then the award would go to the scalpers who make more money off scalped tickets than is morally acceptable.
Therefore, the “Big Deal of the Year” Award for 2008 goes to Taylor Swift - she HAS been the biggest deal this year and it’s only the beginning for her. I fully expect her to win EotY at some point. I think she’s fantastic.
But give the EotY to the best entertainer. Keith Urban.
Isaac says:
I was a huge Kenny fan and thought he was the ultimate Entertainer of the Year until the Detroit, MI back in early August. Who was on the bucket list? Keith Urban. My girlfriend and I said “what the heck? We’ll watch Keith and Kenny.” I came out after the concert a Keith Urban fan. THAT guy knows how to entertain. He made Kenny look like an amateur, and I’m being brutally honest.
All I can say to anyone who think Keith Urban is just a pretty boy, take a second look, because if he keeps entertaining the way he does for years to come, he’ll become a legend. He already is one in the works. You have to see it to believe it, as I said to my family.
Keith Urban = CMA Entertainer of the Year.
Normal Nashvillian says:
This award show makes zero sense to me. Mostly the same artists nominated every year (even the Horizon Award has 3 returning nominees for crying out loud). The coutry music industry might as well hold a big banner up that says, “we’ve decided country music will only be represented by these 10 artists.”
What makes even less sense is to have a very expensive (tickets range from $112-$548) tickets that you’d only expect to pay if you were dressing to the nine’s with coat and tie and shinny high heels, then they host it at the hockey arena. I don’t see who pays that kind of price tag only to climb to the top of the Sommet Center where you’ll be watching the monitors (which you can do at home) the whole night since you can’t actually see who’s on stage. If I’m paying that kind of price tag I want the awards show to be at TPAC or the Ryman and to feel the freedom to dress up and come to a fun, fancy event. To host it at the Sommet Center I’d expect the tickets to be half of what they are. Will they really sell that many tickets? Haven’t people heard of Fan Fest? WHAT IS THE DEAL???
Alicia Coulter says:
I am one of your biggset fan and will always be your fan. I seen you in consret in 2004. You put on a good consret and I have school the next day and I went the next day and I was wearing the shrit on that day and still have it for all these years.
I love you guys Your fan Alicia Coulter
Maureen McCole says:
Sorry guys. But Kenny C is overrated–way overrated.
i’m getting sick of his being crowned EOTY. Enough already. Keith Urban is good–but i still say he’s more rock-n-roll than country.
Sugarland is good but they ain’t ready for EOTY. Brad Paisley does zilch for me too.
That leaves George Strait–the only entertainer (more than having loads of concert dates/sales, etc.) who is truly an all-around talented, true to country, gent. Hope you win, George.
Karen Forehnad says:
So the awards are over and I’m sooooo glad Keith Urban did not get EOY! Once again Toby was snubbed, but he doesn’t need awards, his music stands on it’s own and I’ll keep buying his cd’s. Then there is Gary Allen, he’s another one that doesn’t get his due. I’m not sure how they pick the nominees or then the actual award but it sure seems like high school popularity contests to me. And I’m way too old to play high school games, so if I never watch the CMA’s or ACMA’s again who cares!
Joyce Clark says:
Toby Keith should be nominated for an award. He has two great movies and his music to fantastic. He should never have been barred as far as I can see the Dixie Chicks was given way too much power of voice. This is still a free speech of opinion. Lets stand up and appreciate the fact that he has a right to his opinion whether public or not. This is America and he proved that with the Red, White and Blue song. I wish to nominate Toby Keith for an AMC award. Also for his movies, Broken Briges and Beer for my Horses.