Sugarland, Carrie Underwood Bring Balance to CMA Nominations
It seems like in the last few years, women have often been overlooked in CMA nominations. But not this time. Jennifer Nettles, the lead singer of Sugarland, is up for song (for writing "Stay"), as well as single, vocal duo, music video, musical event and the impressive entertainer of the year category, along with her creative comrade, Kristian Bush. A woman hasn't surfaced in that top category since 2001, back when the Dixie Chicks were nominated. She's also the only woman nominated in the song and music video categories this year.
In addition, Carrie Underwood is representing the women in the album category, after two consecutive years of not having female artists among the finalists. Historically speaking, women are scarcely winners in the album category. Since 1967, only Anne Murray, Patty Loveless, the Dixie Chicks and Lee Ann Womack have ever taken CMA awards for their album. But with big sales and positive reviews, Underwood stands a chance to evening out the odds. She was at tour rehearsal when the nominees were announced this morning. Perhaps she has an eye on the entertainer category next year....
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Ham says:
Jennifer Nettles mark on country music will be long term. Sugarland is probably not in league with Kenny for EOTY, but it sure is nice to see the winds of change starting to blow their way.
vprince says:
Carrie Underwood should have gotten the nom for EOTY she fit all criteria better then most that were nominated, maybe all the members don’t read the criteria for the category befor they vote.
Aaron says:
I know people (mainly Carrie fans) are upset over Carrie being left off the nominees for Entertainer of the Year. That doesn’t mean you have to go around saying people like Sugarland and George Strait don’t deserve nominations. Both artists have had great years and they are a great representation for country music. I think Sugarland deserved it this year. If anyone was going to mix things up this year, I’m glad it is Jennifer and Kristian.
Congrats to all the nominees!!
Bonnie Butcher says:
Carrie underwood should have gotten the nom. for EOTY
she is a lot better than the one who get it
Carrie can sing any song and made it sound GOOD not like a hold lot of the sing that in the music business.they need lesson yet.
Carrie you the best we know that your fans loved you
Carrie keep the good work
Can’t wait to here your next CD when it come out
countryfan11 says:
Most individuals aren’t going to be nominated or win EVERY year. That is not to say they aren’t deserving. I am holding out hope for NEXT year and Carrie getting an award for her current single and video, “Just a Dream.” Now THAT is a powerful song AND video!
I also love Sugarland, they are deserving of nominations. I am really happy to see Kellie Pickler up for new artist- hr new single is a positive, uplifting song for girls/women of all ages.
Congrats to ALL nominees!
carriefanmgk says:
I too was hoping for a Carrie Underwood nomination in the Entertainer of the Year category, but Sugarland is a nice choice as well. I was surprised in the choice of George Strait. He is extremely talented, but I just didn’t hear much of him in the past year, other then what started about two months ago.
Either way Kenny will probably win again.
Sue says:
Congrats to Carrie and all of the nominees! I am sure that Carrie will keep on fighting this “Good Ole’Boys Club”….with a humble heart, a back-breaking schedule, and one whale of a voice!! She will keep bringing more and more people in to Country Music….like she did me!!
Not Worried says:
I for one am not worried about Carrie not being nominated for Entertainer Of The Year–Anyone that knows anything knows she worked harder that most that are nominated this year. Looks to me like they just picked some of them and didn’t give any thought to what the rules were.
flutterfly says:
Pleased to see Sugarland there in the Entertainer mix. They are real naturals on stage, they seem so effortless up there. It would’ve been nice seeing Carrie Underwood in there as a solo female artist too but if she can keep on working and improving her stagecraft the way she has this year, I think she’ll get that CMA Entertainer Of The Year nomination one day.
Congratulations to Jennifer Nettles, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert for their individual nominations outside the gender-restricted categories!
jo says:
Congrats to all the women nominated, but one woman each in the two major categories is not balanced.
Deb says:
IMO, Congrats go to Kenny look how long it took him to get where he is today, he really struggled for years with no respect. He’s so humble because he has worked so hard.
I also like’d the Sugarland nom, they are naturals.
I do think EOTY has been a boy’s club for way to long.
Happy for Kellie!!
Taylor no she can’t sing. She need’s to grow up a little then come back. JMO!!!
Wil Deaton says:
It is outrageous that Carrie was not nominated for ETOY. These old men who run CMA are sexist and out of touch with their own criteria for this category. They should be retired.
We are mad as hell about this. Boycott this awards show, anyone? You can’t even find an e-mail address for the CMA to tell them off!
When you add up album sales, radio plays, tour dates, talent, and personality - Carrie just might win this award. That is what these old men are afraid of!
NOT A FAN says:
I know I’m going to be attacked for this, but I need to get this off my chest: I can’t stand Carrie Underwood!!!! Okay I feel better. Sorry Underwood fans.
I do really like Sugarland, all of their CD’s are great. Jennifer Nettles is so talented!!!!!! For anyone who doesn’t think they deserve EOTY, what planet are you from!!!!!
carriefan says:
carrie should have been nominated too she has been on tour all year and busting her butt too…at least theres a women in the category though! love carrie she is amazing i cant wait until her new album comes out too…love her
wonton says:
I’m a huge fan of Carrie’s, so I was a little disappointed that she was passed over for EOTY. Personally, I would have gone for Carrie or Keith over George.
With that said, I will say I’m very happpy for Sugarland- they have really proven themselves, and they are so funny!
rachel says:
I am disappointed that Carrie was not nominated for EOTY. Or even for song of the year for that matter. I feel like Carrie definitely deserved at least song or cideo of the year over the majority of the nominees, but I’m not part of the CMA commitee am I? I also felt like for EOTY she definitely should’ve been nominated over Keith, George, and sorry about this, Kenny. She has done so much over this past year, but I’m not going to dwell on the fact she wasn’t nominated. The only way I’ll be really upset is if she loses the Female vocalist award. No way she loses that. But back to EOTY, I think Sugarland deserved to be nominated. They have also had a fantastic year. Although I would much rather see Carrie saying acceptance speach for EOTY, I know that time will come, and I believe Sugarland was a great choice and actually the most deserving of all the nominees this year. That’s just my opinion. Sorry if you disagree!
27 says:
I really hope Sugarland can take EOTY. I love Kenny Chesney, but I’d also love to see a change. The two shows I saw this year were Kenny Chesney and Sugarland. I deff. liked Sugarland a lot more. Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush were made to be in a group together. Their chemistry on stage is mind blowing and Jennifer’s voice is so unique and her live voice is very true to her recorded voice.
As for Carrie Underwood, I’m not even a fan and I think she got ripped off. I don’t think she should win it this year, but she should’ve at least been recognised. Maybe next year.
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Double Standard says:
These awards are so sexist it makes me sick. You know, it’s such a double standard when it comes to some things, too. Remember how some people freaked out when Carrie was new and won FVOTY? How she kept winning everything? The unfairness of it all, because she hadn’t “paid her dues” (whatever!)? Well, isn’t it the same thing when an artist that - while famous, classic and beloved by many for many years - hasn’t come out with anything that was considered to be a MAJOR hit, had album sales or #1’s or sold out concerts gets nominated in practically EVERY category, cutting out folks that are CLEARLY more deserving based on how they’re doing NOW? Big George had his time. He had many years of success. He’ll always be loved (not by me, but plenty of other people) and people will listen to his records probably fifty years from now - but that doesn’t mean he should get awards when other people worked their butts off only to get shunned so he can get a nomination; nothing personal to him, because he’s not the one voting. I just think it’s unfair. And I’m not just talking about Carrie. Carrie’s not hurting - although I do think she deserved an EOTY nomination - she’s won MANY awards - far more than any artist ever has, ever will. It’s just funny to me. And sad.
April Badgett says:
Carrie Should have won Kenny C. is not that good of a singer he need lesson
Carrie your fans think you are the winner
Alyssa says:
Carrie Underwood should be nominated for Entertainer OF The Year not Sugarland. She has had an amazing year and is one of the best and most successful singers. If she isnt up next year then something is terribly wrong
GO CARRIE UNDERWOOD!!
Jill says:
Sugarland is so deserving of the nomination having been touring for three years. Keith Urban too puts on a fantastic show. Out of those to choose from I would go with SL or KU this year for sure. I think George Strait as a selection robbed someone else. I would have loved to have seen Carrie get that one. She learned alot from Keith on tour and is 100% better than a year ago. She has learned to put on one helluva
show. A little more touring and Im positive she will be among that group.
GET IT STRAIT says:
To say George Strait robbed someome of a nomination is crazy. This man has been putting out hits and touring for a long time. Most important he is still on top of the game! How many other artists can say that! George is the KING OF COUNTRY and deserves that title, he has earned it! Show some respect!!!!!!!
RedMaZ says:
Strait has become like the crazy uncle of Pop Country that everybody makes fun of but still keeps him around for a laugh.
GET IT STRAIT says:
You know that was really a stupid thing to say. That statement leads me to believe you know nothing about Country Music or George Strait. His music means alot to people including several country singers who he has inspired.
countryfan11 says:
Be nice RedMa, George garners a lot more respect than YOU would know among country fans, but what would YOU know? You don’t even LIKE anything but the “REAL COUNTRY ROOTS” stuff. And don’t give us that OLD refrain of what is or isn’t country/pop, etc. It’s just that–OLD! You’ll never win here and certainly won’t win any fans with the bashing you do. Of course that’s probably your intent on these blogs–
I love George’s Troubador song & pretty much all he does. If he doesn’t fit your idea of country, I don’t much care, and I dare say most on these blogs would agree with me.
RedMaZ says:
I have several reasons for having no respect for Strait. Most people don’t care, but I do. Actually it’s called Roots Country, but that’s far from the only thing I like or listen to. Strait fits my idea of a Pop Country cover singer. That’s what he is. If I want to listen to Country music, it won’t be Strait. Or is that Uncle George?
countryfan11 says:
My point is, if you dislike Pop Country so much, why are you always commenting on it, or even interested in these blogs? It appears to me most of them center around Pop Country, NOT Roots Country. Do they not have a blog on that? This forum fits the people commenting on the artists they like in Pop Country- only most fans don’t differentiate between types.
RedMaZ says:
There are more than just Pop Country blogs here. I feel if I listen to music, no matter what type or genre, I have a right to comment on it. Most Pop fans don’t differenciate between types, because they don’t know any other types. And as far as commenting on artists they like in Pop country, I see plenty of complaining about it coming from them too.
countryfan11 says:
Yes, but most comment on the ARTISTS, not the TYPE. And yes, you have the right to comment, it just seems to me that it always centers around the fact there are different TYPES of country and it for the most part gets ignored. I don’t see any interest generated by your attempt to interest people in ROOTS music, or other TYPES of country. All I’m reading here are comments made on Faith, Carrie, Jessica, Tim, etc. but not what TYPE of music they are, apparently not many care.
Case in point, your comments on the Faith blog. They skipped right over your comment (and my response) and went on talking about how great SHE is, as a singer & performer, that’s it! btw, I think she’s great too, and I don’t care if she’s POP COUNTRY.
RedMaZ says:
I don’t expect many Pop fans to be interested in Roots music, and it doesn’t matter. It seems they don’t know what it is, and don’t care to expand their musical knowledge. Which is fine. I’m looking for, and would rather talk to people with an open mind. Know any?
countryfan11 says:
Well, since I seem to be the only one responding to your comments, I think I already told you I am only familiar with a FEW artists there, such as CRW. I don’t have a sound card on my computer so I can’t listen to music or vids.unless it’s on my stereo or car CD player. I also don’t spend alot of $ BUYING CD’s, a few a yr. So I listen to good old-fashioned radio. HOWEVER, if you know of a radio station that has the music you speak of, let me know where it is on the dial. I will check it out. How about that for a start?
GET IT STRAIT says:
Wow, RedMaZ you are really out there with your comments! I don’t want to seem closed minded but it seems like you contradict yourself alot. One other thing did you come up with all this Root Country stuff or what. You seem to be the only one on here pushing all of this nonsense.
RedMaZ says:
You should try these sites. The Americana Music Association. They have a radio airplay chart, and they list over 300 radio stations playing todays Roots/Americana music. Maybe one is in your area. Or you could try the Roots Music Report website too. I use these two sources (along with dozens of others) to keep up on todays cutting edge music scene. If you have any more questions let me know. I’ll be glad to help. I’m always looking for people who want to expand their musical knowledge.
RedMaZ says:
You’ll need to show me where I’m contradicting myself. No of course I did’t come up with this Roots Country. Roots Country and Americana Music in general make up 90% of todays music scene while Pop Country and Mainstream music in general make up 10%.
13Year old strait fan says:
RedMaz i picture you as a 80 year old man in the woods ranting about no one listening to your Roots Country. My grandpa plays in a bluegrass band and my uncle plays drums in a rock band. I love everything. Whats wrong with appreciating all types of music.
RedMaZ says:
You do? Show me where I’m ranting about no one listening to Roots Music. Doens’t bother me at all. However, it does bother me a litle when someone says they’re a counry music fan, and don’t know what Roots Country is. That seems a little strange to me. Do you know what it is? Americana/Roots music is todays cutting edge music. Not many (maybe some) 80 year old men listen to it, (although when I play them some they usually like it) just as not many 13 year old listen to it. It usually comes later to most. However, There are many teens into Red Dirt Music.
GET IT STRAIT says:
I just want to tell the 13yr old stait fan there is nothing wrong with appreciating all types of music, and I couldn’t have said it better!!!!!! Also I’m glad there’s a whole new generation of “Uncle George” fans. Keep putting out those hits George.
13 year old Strait fan says:
First of all i never siad that i was a country music fan i said that i liked everything. And second if most people dont know wht Roots-Americana is than how can it be 90% of the mainstream music? I think that GET IT STRAIT is right you do contradict yourself.
RedMaZ says:
You should read my post again. I never said Roots/Americana is 90% of Mainstream music. That’s ridiculous, and makes no sense. I said Americana/Roots music makes up 90% of todays music scene. Mainstream/Pop music makes up 10%. I like almost everything too, but I prefer everything Roots, including but not limited to Country, Rock, Blues, Bluegrass, Red Dirt, Alt.Country, Jazz etc.
13 year old Strait fan says:
well i read it again and i think you won’t admit you’re wrong, so i’m moving on, besides George is on the radio and i love this song. good luck with your root thing.
RedMaZ says:
I think that’s a good idea too. It’s time for you to move on. I might listen to some Roger Wallace or Dale Watson.
TRACE FAN IN KY says:
I’ve been following along for the heck of it. Some interesting points on this great debate. It’s nice to see people so passionate about music. To be honest though the 13 yr old hit it dead on with his or her comments. I love the fact they were mature enough to no when to call it quits. By the way I’m a huge George fan too!!!!!!!!
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