What Is the CMA's Entertainer of the Year, Anyway?
When the nominations for this year's CMA Awards were announced last week, there was some discussion on this blog about the criteria for selecting the mother of all CMA categories -- entertainer of the year. Specifically, quite a few people were surprised that Rascal Flatts didn't get nominated in that particular category this year. Considering the success of their ambitious tour schedule this year, it's quite likely that the three members of Rascal Flatts were as surprised as anyone by the exclusion. To refresh your memory - and mine - this year's EOY nominees are Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Sugarland and Keith Urban. As I said last week, it's hard to quibble with any of those choices, although there are others who are also deserving. (In addition to Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith and Tim McGraw come immediately to mind.)
But what is the EOY, anyway? Is it the act that's the most commercially successful? Or is it the act that puts on the best show?
In my role as educator, I've done a tremendous amount of research to clarify this. (OK, I'll admit it. All I did was send an e-mail to the CMA.) Anyway, here is the CMA's official description for its members to consider in nominating and voting for entertainer of the year:
This award is for the act displaying the greatest competence in all aspects of the entertainment field. Voter should give consideration not only to recorded performance, but also to the in-person performance, staging, public acceptance, attitude, leadership, and overall contribution to the country music image.
All of this is subjective, of course. But based on the CMA's guidelines, what are your thoughts on this year's EOY candidates?
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Cricket from Froggy 104 says:
I’m a huge–and I mean HUGE–Rascal Flatts fan, but I understand why they could have been left off the nominee list. I’ve seen them perform a flawless 90-minute set on a giant stage, but I’ve also seen them perform poorly on national television. Any artist that makes you cringe during a nationally televised performance shouldn’t be classified as EOY. It’s like giving a gold medal to a figure skater who fell on her butt during her performance. No one should have to scratch his head when the winner is announced, so to keep that from happening, those names should be left off the nominee list.
27 says:
I really want to see Sugarland win it. Thier new CD is amazing and has gone over well and they’re perfect live when you see them in person and during televised events. They always bring something different to thier act. Those big balls during the CMA Show were genius! They’ve got great energy and are doing nothing but positive things for modern country music.
C-natural says:
I think the CMA made the right choices. I can see how fans could be surprised at the Rascal Flatts exclusion, but it seems like the nominated artists have taken more risks if not with their live shows, with their recorded material. I love the Rascal Flatts as many others do, but I’m really starting to feel like they’re making the same album over and over. As for in person performance, each of the nominees has taken the songs to stage with great consistency, widened country music’s audience, and represented us well.
Another person I’d really like to see make this list in the next few years is Carrie Underwood. She has done more for widening the country music audience than can maybe be imagined, and the girl can SING.
My personal vote for this award this year? Sugarland. Jennifer and Kristian deserve it.
Ms. Feathers says:
I see there is nothing in the qualifications that talks about sales, #1s or anything. I believe other academies ask voters to consider those things. I’m VERY glad the CMA doesn’t.
Based on these qualifications, I stand by my vote for Keith Urban. He fulfills EVERY requirement, above and beyond the call of duty. His in-person performances are phenomenal, and you walk out of the arena feeling like a better human being. His live staging has the feeling of your favorite pub band to the 100th power - nothing fancy or frou-frou, but he stages his shows to make EVERY person in the arena feel as if he’s playing to them. And then he’ll jump down in the audience at the ACM’s on live tv to do a little back-porch-picker of a song, and surprise everyone. Keith has a lock on this one. He’s THE most entertaining artist on the list.
Public Acceptance - Is there anyone who’s met the man who doesn’t just love Keith Urban? Is there an artist or DJ or real music fan around who doesn’t appreciate his incredible talent? He’s got a lock on this category, too.
Attitude - There are few artists who are as grateful and humble as Keith, and he believes in Country Music, respects its roots and heroes, and his positive outlook on life is an example we could all follow.
Leadership - Keith’s music is usually on the cutting edge where leaders blaze trails. He has a vision for the entire genre of country music in which all styles will be welcome and in which people will ask an artist, “what KIND of country music do you play”.
Overall Contribution to the Image - If the image of Country Music isn’t better for the contributions by Keith Urban, then something’s wrong.
If you’re a voting member of the CMA, vote for Keith for EotY.
KellieMartin says:
I believe Rascal Flatts should have been included in this category. Why some one might suggest Tim Mcgraw is another story. Clearly Tim has not had a glorious tour without Faith.
Chris N. says:
I think the “attitude” and “leadership” parts of the criteria are key — is the act a good ambassador for country music? Do they bring in new fans and reflect well on the genre as a whole? By that score, this year it would have to be Taylor Swift, by my reckoning.
AnnaLee says:
Absolutely, every artist nominated for this award is deserving. I’ve seen each of these artists in concert so my opinion is based on that.
Sugarland is amazing and I think in another year or two they’ll be a force to be reckoned with (and they’re just about there). George Strait…well, what can I say. No one compares to him but for this particular category, I don’t think so. Brad Paisley is a huge, huge talent. I love every one of his songs and appreciate more than anything his humor and guitar skills. I was so excited to finally see him in concert but left feeling a little disappointed. Now Kenny Chesney, he’s just amazing. I wonder how he does it day in and day out. The massive concert tours to stadium audiences, hit after number 1 hit. But I happen to see Chesney recently and was totally and utterly blown away…by Keith Urban. I’ve never, ever seen anyone like him and I’ve been blessed to have seen the Beatles, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, James Taylor, and countless others. I hadn’t bought any of his CD’s but the day after the concert, I went out and bought everything I could get my hands on. I went for Kenny and walked away a huge Keith Urban fan.
If he’s not EOTY, something fishy is going on!
Rodney says:
first off lets just say this this is kenny’s award again.I am not particularly a kenny fan but there is no one in the buisness that puts as much energy into a show than kenny chesney. i am sick of seeing him win this award to but hey facts are facts he is the best.Now lets look at the criteria for this award one more time.
Recording excellence: in my opinion definitely goes to king George strait i don’t think anyone can argue that he puts out the best music year after year.
In person performance: As i said Kenny owns this. even though i think a of the other performers are great. I particularly am a fan of the strait tour it may seem like i think he should win every thing but, i am just telling it like it is even though he might not act like a monkey on stage like the other people do but he just goes up there and still puts on a great show.
Staging also goes to kenny he has some great stage setups.
and it is crazy all of the other categories when i think about it i don’t think anyone else out does George in any of the other categories. but with that being said i still give the award to kenny.
Lauren says:
Kenny Chesney all the way!!!
Carol says:
Kenny Chesney is the reigning EOTY and deservedly so! I feel he once again should win this award. Not only are Kenny’s concert the best out there, there is so much energy from Kenny and his band, but he writes and records great albums. Kenny should also be recognized for his ability to produce records, as well. This past year he was a part of Willie Nelson’s album and one of his band members, Tim Henley. He has recorded MANY duets with other wonderful country stars including Reba, George Strait & Willie Nelson. All this from a man who is on tour 5 motnhs out of the year. Kenny, we love you and it doesn’t get any better than this!!
L. Green says:
No surprises. . .again. Same old CMA candidates currently in favor.
mg says:
It has to be Kenny Chesney…he is an outstanding performer! I will agree that Keith Urban is giving him a run for EOY but Keith did not put on a major tour this past year. He co-headlined with Carrie Underwood and has been on Kenny’s stadium shows. They both are awesome but Kenny really puts on a fabulous show. I was at the Indy show and I have never seen anything like it!!! It was a wonderful show. Kenny Chesney performed for 2 1/2 hours until he could barely sing anymore. I will say that Keith put on a great show too. He is an awesome live performer. BUT KC IS THE EOY!!!!
Steve says:
It’s called Entertainer of the YEAR! I think the association votes too much based on the past. How did Alan Jackson and George Strait do more for country music in the past year than Rascall Flatts and Carrie Underwood? It’s comparable to when people were pissed Carrie won Female Vocalist of the Year after her first year in the industry. People in country music are too worried about the past and “paying dues”, and it really hurts new acts that are currently at the top of the industry. Remember CMA and country fans, it’s “OF THE YEAR!”
Cindy says:
I have to disagree with the poster “MG” who stated that Keith Urban did not put on a major tour this past year. Evidently, she (or he) doesn’t know that the eligibility period for the CMAs this year is July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008.
During the eligibility period, Keith HEADLINED 49 concerts (8 of those were in Canada); next he CO-HEADLINED with Carrie for 28 concerts; HEADLINED 6 concerts in Australia (without Carrie); and finally, he toured with Kenny Chesney for another 4 concerts.
Also, during the eligibility period, he won a Grammy for Best Male Performance.
Keith won the Entertainer award in 2005 and he deserves to win it again this year!
Matthew says:
Keith Urban - All the way.
LeeAnn says:
Great to see Sugarland being voted…..however, my vote will have to go to Kenny Chesney!! His shows are awesome and the way he gets the crowds into every song he does….its a party no matter where your seat is!!! He is so humble and grateful to not only his band and everyone involved with making his tours successful….but he ALWAYS thanks his fans and ALWAYS knows that the fans are what put him there!! Go Kenny Chesney!!!
Jan sowka says:
EOY-no doubt in my mind- KEITH URBAN!. He is amazing whenever you see him. You leave his concerts on a natural high -he can play that guitar like no-one else, can sing, is a great songwriter, shows his pure joy, and sometime pain, in the songs he sings. He is sweet, and includes everyone in his comments and the show- even the young children that I have seen him actually stop his singing to bend down and hug or say hi to. Keith is all around an entertainer. Oh, he also is gorgeous too, but just to straighten that comment out-he definitely had me from “But For the Grace of God, and I had not seen him at that point- Go Keith!!. Forever Urban Fan J.S. Milford, Ct
Donna says:
Kenny Chesney all the way–talent, smooth voice, versitle, creative, singer/songwriter, awesome albums, showmanship, producer, sold-out tours year after year, inspiration and teacher of younger talent and giving others a change to tour. Kenny has introduced many people to country music through his music and shows and has done in without touring in Europe. Kenny is just an outstanding performer and with his awesome band, he is the “greatest” entertainer. Kenny is so humble and extremely appreciative of fans being there for him 14 years ago and today as well.
Kenny deserves to be EOTY again.
Brenda says:
I’ve always thought of EOY being those who went above and beyond being great singers. To me it’s about what they do on the stage - what kind of live performer they are. It goes back to the days when Barbara Mandrell and Alabama were winning EOY - they always went above and beyond. That being said…Keith Urban without question. To be fair, I’ve not seen Kenny or Sugarland in concert but I’ve seen them perform on tv specials and although they are great and I can’t wait to actually see them live, my vote would have to go to Keith. I finally got to see him live this past February and it is now one of my top five favorite concerts. What a performer — what an entertainer!
JK says:
Nobody in country music is a better entertainer than Keith Urban. He ropes you in and never lets you go when he lights up the stage. He is an amazing musician, vocalist, and has a natural charisma that outshines the rest of the pack. He deserves this award and waves the banner of country music with talent and humility.
David Nisbet says:
I’d hope they were left off the list for their apalling single, “Bob That Head”. I was just starting to respect them but pushing a song like that at their young audience is disgusting.
I would’ve nominated Dolly or Willie. They certainly deserve it more than the acts that go for shock & awe over talent. I’ve seen them both two years in a row and both times came out saying they were the best concerts i’d ever been to. Sure, Willie might “just stand there” like George Strait, but even that simplicity makes them more of an entertainer in my book.
Theresa says:
I personally think that Toby Keith gets short changed in all the awards. I think he writes and sings beautifully. His voice is just amzing! I think the reason he doesn’t get nominated or win is because it’s all political and he calls his owns shots. He goes by his rules, hence Showdog. Therefore from one of Toby’s biggest fans he gets my vote everytime and I’ve told him so.
bkb says:
sugarland has been on the scene for only a few years and they think they are up to being the entertainer of the year. just think of many other women singers who have sold out concerts and sold many records and have been passed over. the young singers spend a few years in the business and every one of their songs become no. ones. i can remember when it took time to even get one song to no. one
Julie says:
Well, I like Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts….and I have been to both of their concerts…and I just have to say, I don’t see what was so great about Kenny’s concerts….Rascal Flatts put on a heck of alot better show!
Jean’s j says:
I have seen Kenny’s concerts on TV and he in now way has more energy than Toby does. Kenny’s songs are all the same and most of them are Island music. I know he works hard, they all do but his songs bore me. Kenny is a cookie cutter artist. Toby isn’t, Toby is his own man and does his music his way and that is why he is making it on his own. But Toby doesn’t need awards to vaildate who he is, the awards don’t make an artist bigger if he wins it. Toby hasn’t won and look how big he is. It’s all about the Fans and that is what Toby is about. He loves his fans and he knows what we want and gives it to us. He isn’t going anywhere. Toby you are your Warriors EOTY and always will be.
countryfan11 says:
Personally, I liked Kenny better when he first came on the scene and showed more range in his material. I left him and his island music long ago. I rarely go to concerts so I can’t vouch for show performances, just my musical tastes, but I’d rather see RF or KU win. I also agree Toby deserves awards but doesn’t NEED them to validate his success.
I also think whomever the winners are, it should reflect their body of work FOR THAT YEAR, not just because they have been popular in the past, or had big hits in the past, or whatever. Keep it current unless there is a specific award for collective.
Deb says:
Kenny is the best ENTERTAINER ever!! I’ve seen them all but the Flatts boy’s who I don’t care to see.
Kenny deserves this award.
Tanya says:
Um..I have seen Kenny and Keith live, and I must say, Keith blows Kenny out of the water. In my opinion, the talent should entertain you, not the “show”. Keith played 139 shows on his last tour….that is insane!!! Each show he played for over 2 hours and in Nashville he played for 3 hours! He gives 110% and makes each person feel like he’s performing just for them. Kenny wins, but I dont’ see why. I’ve seen him and I didn’t care for him. In my opinion, just because you CAN fill a stadium, doesn’t mean you SHOULD. The smaller the venue, the more personal experience the fan gets. Keith manages to do this again and again from the big screen, to the long stage, to his constant ventures out into the crowd. He rips the guitar to shreds and feels everything he sings. His heart and sould is poured into his performance and that’s what makes an entertainer of the year. It says something when my friend, who HATES country music, told me she’d go see keith again and again. She didn’t know any of his songs, but she LOVED his performance.
Denise says:
Rascal Flatts should have been on the list for Entertainer of the Year. Their music outsells many other artists, they are very charitable and give back to the community (look at all they have done with the Red Cross and the Vanderbilt Hospital!), their concerts are AMAZING! They still take time out to meet with their fans and are truly a great bunch of guys. When the same artist wins that every year liek Chesney, the award loses its credibility anyway…..
Laura says:
I believe Kenny deserves to win this one again. He has sold more concert tickets this year than any other country act, has had at least four #1 hits this year that I can remember, it might be one more in a few weeks, his Road and the Radio cd was still on the top 20 in album sales when his Poets & Pirates cd came out. Plus he has his own XM radio station playing 24-7 Kenny’s music plus his favorite artists music as well. He is always appreciative of his fans and tries to give us the best concert experience he can with his video and production, etc. The energy and passion from the fans, Kenny and his band that fills the stadiums, amphitheares and arenas is truly an amazing experience. I think Kenny should win ETOY hands down this year. Keith is good, but I don’t think he is as qualified for this award this year as Kenny. He hasn’t had as many #1 hits, or sold as many concert tickets, or sold as many cd’s as Kenny. So while he may be a great talent, he hasn’t topped Kenny yet. And don’t get me started on those Flatt’s boys; they are not even in the ETOY league at all. Same goes for Carrie, she can sing but she is no where near ETOY this year.
Carmella says:
IMO Keith Urban is the only logical choice. He puts on the most stellar entertaining live show! He has tons of talent & charm and really connects to his audience. He is a constant presence on country radio. His work ethics are a driving inspiration. I don’t think anyone has worked harder this year or deserves EOTY more than Keith Urban!
Ray says:
Well, I don’t really see what’s so great about Kenny Chesney. (I would prefer a Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith (my favorite) or Sugarland entertainer of the year any day.) Maybe it’s because I have seen Chesney at festivals only. The first one, he was smashed and his band had to turn off the speakers on his guitar ( I was in the second row and witnessed it), and the second time he signed autographs for 15 minutes up on stage at the end of his concerts and many of the fans in the back thought he should be singing instead. He also kept his eye on a big clock on stage so he didn’t sing over his time limit. (He was paid a cool million for that show.)
glenda says:
Ironically, I was at a Kenny Chesney show the first time I saw Keith Urban and he blew me away with his talent. I thought Kenny should have been opening for Keith! Keith made Country Music come alive for me. I could care less that Kenny sells out stadium shows. I would not waste my money on them. They are more like drunkfest! I feel money and politics have taken over the true meaning of entertaining instead of art and talent. Keith could entertain with just his guitar,a microphone, and a stage without all the videos and props that others use. He is the ultimate entertainer without a doubt!
Jess says:
keith urban is without a doubt EOTY. Reading the headlines around the globe he has gotten good feedback. Keith is one of the most respected country artist. There is alot more on his agenda than any of the other artist. I truly beleive without a doubt that the award will go to keith. I’m even more confident because that agenda fits keith.
Miller says:
Keith Urban?? Are you kidding? The guy did nothing to promote country music. In fact he removed almost all of his country songs from his tour. He also cant keep his voice in tune most of the time and has his bandmates do most of the vocal work for him. He didnt contribute, most people dont know him outside of being Mr. Nicole Kidman. Kenny Chesney, like mg said is unmatched in this category.
carol G says:
I belive toby should been on list for Entertainer of the Year, he works hard just like other fans . toby show don’t live boring you blaste all rock country .toby does other things too should get movie and more . toby number 1 superstar
Sue Ann says:
I’ve seen them all this past year. I love Sugarland and while I would say Kenny Chesney is a good performer and sure has many fans, tons of #1 hits and puts lots of work into his tours filling them with big name people. THERE IS NO ONE ON THIS LIST…that is more deserving than Keith Urban! He has toured non-stop during the entire time frame used for this award. Headlining 6 months, Coheadlining 5 more months and working on Kenny’s tour the last month of eligability. He is a great songwriter, guiar player and singer. He connects with the audience on a level that is unsurpassed. You never leave his shows disapointed or feeling like he needed to give you more. He just blew the doors off this past year and he is so deserving of ETOY!!!
Kathy says:
There is no one in country music that covers ALL areas of Entertainment more than TIM MCGRAW. He is amazing and powerful on stage, his albums are always different and strong and debut at #1, he is producer, writer, as well as performer. And he now has earned high respect as an actor as well. He was Billboards #1 male artist in 2007 and was the only country music artist to make the Forbes top earners for that year. Also add in a fragance named “MCGRAW” and a new Childrens book, to top everything off. Yes every area of entertainment this man covers and covers it well.
EOTY this year as well as every year………TIM MCGRAW.
Ms. Feathers says:
Kathy - thanks for the run-down on Tim’s accomplishments. I had no idea he was involved in so many things. I don’t know why he gets snubbed by the Academies. Maybe they think he’s not “focused” enough. Whatever, it doesn’t seem to be hurting his bottom line.
Having not see him perform live, or paid too much attention to his music myself, I can’t compare him apples-to-apples with the other nominees, but it would be nice if he received some sort of “recognition”.
Camilla says:
I also agree Tim McGraw has been too frequently overlooked based upon the criteria and his accomplishments supporting that criteria. He consistently is an ambassador to country music and to new performers. It was Tim that brought me into the country fold and I’m happy he did. The last two prior years Tim had the highest grossing country tour ever as well as so many other accomplishments that year and was not even nominated. This year his tour was downscaled but that should be considered in next years evaluation I would think. Anyway . . . he will always be ETOY in my book along with others that are just as accomplished. As much as I love Alan Jackson and George Strait, there have been times for that particular voting year that their accomplishments has not been as supporting to the voting criteria as others. It does leave alot to be desired . . . therefore from my point of view I look forward to the current practice being audited and re-evaluated.
kelly says:
once you have seen keith urban in concert thats all there is. All the other perfomers are great..not taking anything away from them but keith touches your heart and soul!!!Some people need to get facts straight before posting.
Smart-Alex says:
Let’s face it, in the big picture, the CMA Awards are meaningless. The nominees and winners are chosen by peers and members of the industry. Regular folks and fans have no influence and record sales and concert gross receipts have no bearing. It’s politics as usual and sometimes it’s ugly. The ACM’S were once a bit more respectable but since Nashville has taken over, it’s just another political event influenced by heavies like Joe Galante
JANET says:
Some people look at only the tours as the criteria and that is not the case it inlcudes sales, TV, Movies and overall effect in bringing country music to outside the country community.
The dates for this year start July 1st 2007 through June 30 2008.
Tim Mcgraw in 2007 was part of the second biggest tour in country music and in the Top 10 in all of music. He was part of history with the highest grossing two year tour in country music history. His tour even won a Billboard award.
Tim was the Top selling Male artist in Country Music in 2006 and 2007 and was in the Top Ten in ALL of music. In fact only Carrie, Rascal Flatts and Tim was in the Top Ten in all of music in album sales last year.
Tim won The Male Country artist at the American Music awards last year and was the ONLY Male artist nominated for the Male Musical Performer at the People’s Choice award this year. He was nominated for 5 Grammy’s this year.
He filmed a movie this year and had a small part in the movie The Kingdom last fall.
He was on Frito bags all summer and they even had his name ON IT. He performed at the famous Jazz Fest in New Orleans this year.
He has a commerical for his colonge running on TV and had one for the Fritos on TV. He had on the charts last year through November a song If Your Reading This that was huge and was DENIED a Country Song nod at the ACM’s and CMA’s and that is shameful IMO.
So Tim was denied a Nod again just like every year it seems. Last time he had a nod for Male Vocalist at the CMA’s was in 2002, didn’t even get a nod in 2004 with Live Like You Were Dying and the last time he got a nod for Entertainer was 2005. He has won ONLY ONE Entertainer award in his career and that was in 2001. That is the only one you talk about politics and a disgrace that is it.
crazyredeck13 says:
i was really surprised rascall flatts didnt get nominated for entertainer of th eyear but thats ok i want kenny chesney to win
Jan says:
The only one who really fits all the criteria is Keith Urban.
If you have not seen him live…you are really missing out. I have never heard of anyone leaving a Keith show with anything but unbelievably positive comments.
He has garnered tons of positive reviews for his headlining shows, his co-headlining shows and even his performances on Kenny’s tour. Sometimes, he has caught the reviewer’s eye more than Kenny on Kenny’s own tour.
Really, you need to check out Keith to really believe it.
Faye Hilbert says:
Although I am surprised that Rascal Flatts did not receive an EOY nomination, I am not surprised that Keith Urban has received yet another nomination for not only this award but the Male Artist as well. (by the way, Keith had won the CMA EOY in 2005 along with the Male Artist in that same year, something that not too many male artists have done in country including Kenny Chesney) I love Sugarland and feel that they definitely bring a high energy and perfection to their shows. They have received a well deserved nomination. However, I feel that the CMA voters have left one great entertainer out. I feel that Martina McBride should be there instead of George Strait. Not only does Martina have the most beautiful voice in country but if you see her in concert, she also dominates the stage and entertains you. She deserves a nomination for this category not only for all the years she has been in country but for the great tour she has put on in the past year. But for the nominations this year, my vote goes to Keith Urban! Always a great entertainer, musician and singer! If the award would go to the artist that plays with his audience with such passion and energy and gives their heart and soul instead of how many stadiums you can feel then Keith should definitely win his second CMA EOY award! By the way, do you think Kenny Chesney would fill his stadiums without the help of artists like Keith Urban, Brooks and Dunn, LeAnn Rimes and Gary Allan. Just something to think about.
scmonkeyshinejovigrl says:
Ok!! Now that I have read the official criteria - It is absolutely Keith Urban hands down - no questions asked. I have seen all the nominees live and there is no comparision. He fits the bill on every criteria listed and then some!! It is Keith’s year to finally get the recognition he so deserves!!
JANET says:
That is your opinion about Keith I have seen him as a OPENING act for Tim, and you couldn’t pay me to see him, he is NOT country IMO.
As for Keith his GH album with a rerelease has sold just 600,000. He wasn’t tops in nothing in the last 1/12 years and the only concerts in the stated that he sold out was when he had Carrie on the bill.
marie says:
I also saw Keith opening for Tim once several years ago, and that turned me off of Tim for good. He never spoke to the audience or tried to connect with them in any way. He was always talking with his band. He made it look like he was just practicing and there was no audience there. I wouldn’t pay (and you couldn’t pay me) to see Timmy boy again.
Keith on the other hand totally had the audience in his back pocket from before he even hit the stage. Everyone was standing dancing and singing along from the first note.
I went with friends who claimed to be die hard Tim fans, but by the time the night was over Keith had won them over. As we were walking out of the venue I heard several others commenting on how much better Keith was then Tim.
Keith has only gotten better and better since then. No wonder he consistently gets nominations in this category!
Ms. Feathers says:
JANET - go back and read the list of things that voters are asked to consider when voting - there’s not a THING on there about record or ticket sales.
I do agree that Tim has been overlooked, and I do think he deserves more nominations. And if Keith wasn’t nominated for EotY, I would consider throwing my support to him (I kind of fall into the “not Kenny again” category), but since Keith is nominated this year, of the 5 on the list, *HE* is the one who most fits the qualifications listed above. Everyone else is just “rounding out the category” ;-)
Shelley says:
Someone had mentioned that Tim doesn’t connect or interact with his audience. This is so true. I have seen both Tim, Kenny and Keith in concert and Kenny and Keith interact with the fans that make them the stars they are today. Tim has the attitude of Be happy I am entertaining you!
Kevin says:
I have to cast my vote here for Keith Urban. I have seen every EOTY nominee in concert, and by FAR i was most impressed with Keith. Im not even the biggest fan of alot of Keiths songs on the radio or cd, but when you see him in a live show, everything is amazing. He makes even the biggest arenas and stadiums feel like an intimate performance in a bar or club. I saw Keith with Kenny at LP Field in Nashville and Keith should have been the headliner because after Keith’s performance, Kenny’s show was a letdown. For pure entertainment, nobody does it better than Keith Urban.
As far as Tim McGraw goes, i really feel like he has lost touch with country music. He seems to feel like he is above country music these days.
Kevin says:
Also, you cant take the CMA nominations too seriously anyway. The Wreckers are nominated for best duo this year and they have been broken up for about 2 years now. That makes no sense at all
Jean Bailey says:
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
marie says:
Keith IS NOT country and never will be. I grew up with 70’s rock and that is all her is intimating the moves that he copied from the guitar greats of the 60’s and 70’s.
As for Tim he has been headlinning tours and top tours of the year long before Keith was even playing vlubs in Nashville. Its funny Keith has NEVER had the top country tour of the year but Tim has had it many times with Faith and by HIMSELF.
Tim holds his fans in the palm of his hand and ONLY Elvis was better.
Lets see Tim top Country tour many times, sold of 38 million and Keith no top country tours and sold 11 million.
marie says:
Tim just has another album certified 6 million in sales, where Keith’s 6 million selling album, that’s right he doesn’t have one is Greatest Hits even with a rerelease has only sold 600,000. Guess the fans must not like them that much.
Kevin says:
Ill agree that Keith doesnt have a traditional country sound, but besides Tim’s first couple cds, I dont really think he is all that country either. If the argument is that Keith is not country enough to be EOTY then i think that eliminates Tim, Kenny, and Sugarland as well. So basically we would just be left with George Strait and Brad Paisley to choose from. Personally i think that all the nominees are country, so my vote would still go to Keith. For all around entertainment i think Keith is the clear winner. I am not against Tim Mcgraw, but does he even play an instrument in his concerts? Ive seen Keith play piano and drums along with being one of the best guitar players in the world. As far as the top tours go,
Tim has been around longer so he has had a longer period of time to gain fans. Also, in Tim’s early days, he didnt have to compete with Kenny Chesney’s big stadium tours. Another point is that if you are counting the amount of money made by a tour, you have to consider that Tim Mcgraw’s tickets are usually quite a bit more expensive than Keith, Brad, or Sugarland. Another thing that i give Keith credit for is the fact that he was willing to be an opening act on Kenny’s latest tour to give fans an amazing show, when he could have easily been headlining a tour of his own and selling out shows. Would Tim Mcgraw take a backseat to Kenny in order to please the fans? I highly doubt it.
Ms. Feathers says:
Great points, Kevin. But remember, there’s nothing in the “qualification” listed above about “money made” on anything (CDs, tickets, etc), so the voters should consider pure entertainment value - which is what you’re doing when you vote for Keith Urban.
I often wonder if Tim & Faith’s commitment to touring TOGETHER hurts them both on the awards front. The nominators and voters don’t quite know what to make of them - are they a duo or group or what? Personally, I applaud them for touring together and keeping their family together - what an interesting life they must lead. And they still fill arenas with their many fans.
Kevin says:
I like that point as well Ms. Feathers. It does seem that with them touring together so much that it gives their tours a totally different feel than the party, good time atmosphere of Kenny, Keith, etc. It puts more emphasis on the “love” factor and them interacting with one another, which may not appeal as much to people when considering EOTY.
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charles butler says:
I think that Sugarland should win because of the best song EVER!!!!!
Jennifer says:
Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney should both get ETOY. Never liked Tim Mcgraw or his music. He stands out in the crowd in an obnoxious way. Tim is on his way out just like Toby.
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