Taylor Swift Co-Hosts Grammy Concert, But…
Taylor Swift and LL Cool J did a fine job hosting the Grammy nominations concert on Wednesday night (Dec. 3), but I thought the funniest, if not most awkward, moment of the night was when Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters announced the nominees for best country performance by a duo or group with vocals. The rocker looked a little shocked to be up there and fumbled through a joke with a Nudie suit reference that I’m not totally convinced the audience really understood. They laughed anyway. Dirty minds I guess.
Other country music highlights of the event included Lady Antebellum’s nomination for best new artist, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss earning five nods and Swift performing a medley of Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry” and her own “White Horse.” She sang softly but with conviction, backed up by her band’s sparse instrumentation and a video of Lee. When Swift broke into “White Horse,” it was to screeches of approval from the 6,000 in attendance. But the real surprise had to be Swift’s exclusion from the nominees list. Between hosting, performing and being a big part of the push leading up to this event, I figured she was a shoe-in.
Read the whole story and view the complete list of nominees.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Denise says:
I think a lot of people saw tonight why Taylor should not be nominated for any vocal awards. It was quite embarrasing. I noticed that you said it was very quiet, but with conviction. I will give you an A for being nice about her performance. Somebody, really should sit her down and be honest with her. She is a very talented song writer, but she can not sing.
Tina says:
I know she can’t sing but I still like her song Tim McGraw!!
Shelly says:
I hate to admit it but she was awful tonight.
Maybe she will get better.
luvncountry says:
Hmm. I see a few comments were deleted. Couldn’t be because we complained about yet ANOTHER blog on the blog’s darling TS now could it? Why is it when the majority of commenters agree that this girl can NOT sing, do we still get inundated with her? Now since the above 4 comments were NOT deleted, why is it the others were?
Rachel says:
The truth is out there!!
Taylor Swift cannot sing live! ohh no!
Susie says:
Taylor Swift gave us a horrible version of Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry”.
Her whole performance was as usual flat and off key. Cute can only cover up so much.
Please someone help her learn how to sing her own songs. I keep hearing what sounds like a middle school recital broadcast on public access television every time she is on an award show.
Connie says:
I agree with the rest of you.
I watched Taylor tonight and she was very bad.
Countrygrl says:
Taylor still can’t sing her songs live to save her life!!!
Tonight’s performance from the Grammy Live show was just as bad as all of her other flat off key out of breath appearances.
Please make the girl practice! I am not just saying this because I don’t like her. I like the recorded versions of some of her songs. I get it!! The songs have some appeal to them. She just has no skills as a singer!!!
She couldn’t make it past the first round of idol try outs.
Please help her!! Get her a vocal coach and someone yell at her when the song is flat please!!!!
Country music is known for some of the best live acts going but I’m sorry, until she can learn how to be a professional she needs to stay away from live shows!!!
Teresa says:
I thought the funniest and most awkward thing was seeing Taylor hosting with LL Cool J. They did great but what an odd couple. lol Has she ever heard of him before or heard his songs? lol Also when Taylor read the rap nominee names she looked like she was about to bust out laughing lol
Nana says:
Someone that can not sing well does not need to sing a classic song–She killed that song –and may I ask why she switched to her song–The others did not sing their own songs –did they? Promotion Promotion
Diana says:
I had to mute when Taylor was singing Im Sorry. That was really bad. Surely she videos some of her performances and knows she cant sing???? I guess as long as the record company doctors up her cds and she makes the big bucks she doesnt mind embarrassing herself. Her writing is remarkable and maybe there is no one in that age group available to sing her songs in country, not that I think shes country at all. I like her and I like a few of her songs, but live, she should NEVER sing live. Why shows keep asking her to perform beats me, but then shes not the only one that sings out of tune. Everytime Ive seen Rodney Adkins sing hes been out of tune and mostly Gary of Rascal Flatts is too. Poor Taylor is ALWAYS flat.
Jack says:
Taylor’s live performance on the Grammy nominations show was an embarrassment. The performance was truly awful, why she would expose herself like that is beyond me. She has genuine songwriting talent for a teenager, but as a singer, she is among the most untalented of her age group. It is only through the use of studio technology that she can sound acceptable.
Sami says:
Taylor killed Brenda Lee’s classic song “I’m Sorry”. Is this the best country has to offer??? No wonder that country artists are made fun of and left out of many awards, etc.. Her version was really terrible. She can not sing live at all. Without the mixing in the studio she would not be where she is today. She is a cute girl and young and the tweens are keeping her around. What happens when they get older and realize she can’t sing??????????
Vicki says:
Because it’s for best Country Female Vocalist performance. Note “Vocalist”. If this said, “Best Country Songwriter”; Or “Best Country Album” (next year for sure); “Best Country performance of a song” But it said,
Vocalist and she’s just not there yet with so many out of tune notes when you have people like Martina, Leeann, Allison, Carrie, Miranda, Trish and Faith and their spot on voices. The Grammys don’t just look at sales, they actually listen.
smith says:
I think she started to sing her own song because she gave up on “I’m Sorry”. I wish she would’ve given up sooner!
Sontaran says:
Kinda rubbing it in eh?
elf says:
twice now taylor has embarrassed herself in front of millions of people watching ..on the Grammies Live she was off key and the same thing happened on the CMA awards,, that child is believeing her own hype ,, go back to school.. Taylor and stop singing
Kate says:
You can either sing or you can’t. Taylor is 19 years old she couldn’t sing when she was 11 and she can’t sing now and she won’t be a singer 20 years from now.
Why did Taylor go into her own song instead of the tribute song…self promotion baby, that’s what it’s all about.
For those who say she ‘just can’t sing live’..well isn’t she live in the studio? Ah, but in the studio there’s all that wonderful technology that can create a more tolerable sound. Isn’t that kinda like ‘fraud’?
The people who convinced this young woman that she can sing should be punished, severly.
Tammy R says:
Wow, I am glad to hear someone finally telling the truth about Taylor Swift.
I had to sit through her song last night and it was like fingernails on the chalk board.
I keep telling my daughters that she just can’t sing. They say I am old and they think she is just nervous. How can you be nervous and so bad all the time. Shouldn’t she get a little better.
The girl on Americas got talent sang Taylor’s song better than her when she guest stared on the show.
Wendy says:
I guess we are all learning the hard truth.
Good looks, Blonde hair, a miracle in the studio, a little bit of cuteness, and a lot of forgiving blog topics like this one do sell a lot of records.
We are quickly loosing the real talent in country music for this marketed crap.
When will people learn that you should have real talent to earn the spotlight that she has been given so freely. Why should others even practice or dedicate their lives to their passion if we can cheapen country music down to this.
Bug says:
I guess the Grammy’s are the only ones that really know talent. I’ll have to go to U-Tube to hear how Taylor botched I’m Sorry. If she goes “POP”, it will be the teeny boppers who will keep her on the charts.
MLD says:
That was embarrassing to watch and clearly showed why Taylor did not get nomination.
All this she was nervous stuff is just baloney.She’s been at it on TV for 2 years now and has never given a decent performance.Thank you Grammy’s.
Bug what do you mean “if she goes pop” she’s long since gone.
anne says:
The Grammy’s got it right. She wasn’t nominated because she didn’t deserve to be, plain and simple! Her performance proved that. Her hosting was also terrible. She looked out of place and fumbled many of her lines. Someone should also tell her that her continous scowl and dart throwing looks are not at all attractive. She has the same look on her face all the time, like she wants to do physical harm to some.
I did think it was funny that the Jonas Brothers were nominated for Best New Artist and that they were actually there. I am not a fan of theirs, but I do hope they actually win. Remember Taylor lost that award to Amy Winehouse last year. How sweet would that be!
Valerie says:
Congrats to LeAnn Rimes who is nominated for a grammy. For What I Cannot Change. Which never got a chance on country radio! I know she could nail “I’m Sorry”. Hope she wins.
Sarah says:
Forgive me for saying this, but clearly this poor girl cannot sing on key anytime or anywhere. It is an embarrassment for pop country.
JP says:
OMG…I can’t believe they let her represent country music. I had to turn to another channel, it was just awful!
Wendy says:
LeAnne Rimes is incredible!
Artist like her deserve our praise and we should help keep her on country radio.
I still remember seeing her live opening up for Bryan White when she first started out and she was awesome then even at a younger age than Miss Swift.
Way to go Grammys! Just don’t let Taylor swift sing on the next show.
Kathie says:
Do you think Taylor thinks she can sing? Honestly! Someone surely must be telling her she can’t sing. I don’t get why and how country music made her a star. Please Taylor seek Vocal Lessons. If that doesn’t help, just write songs and let someone else sing them. I wonder if her parents think she can sing! WOW!
kayko says:
Lets see who will you guys bash next? Oh thats right anyone who you consider a threat to Carrie. It’s starting to get old. Taylor may not have the vocal’s as some of the other ladies but she is still a very talented young lady.
Rich says:
If she can’t sing and preform at a skilled level why should we believe that she can write songs on such a talented level.
The spin doctors are just selling us a load, making you believe she writes the songs she is singing.
They do this on every new artist to make us believe they have real talent and heart.
You can receive a song writing credit on an album even if you just add on word or phrase to a song. Putting a title to the song doesn’t make you a great writer. I strongly doubt she even came up with the titles for her songs.
Why should anyone even care you keep buying her album and watching her on youtube. Hannah Montana is fake crap and people keep getting in line but at least we know she is supposed to be a fake singer on a TV show.
The Jonas Brothers are just as prefab as she is but they have enough respect for their fans not to believe their own hype. They don’t even plug their guitars in when they are playing on tv.
Thanks Jonas Brothers
Melissa says:
I was also surprised that she didn’t get any nominations. I figured she’d get at least one. To be honest, I’m a little disappointed with the country nominations. It’s cool that Carrie got one, but I feel like a lot of the others were out of touch. Maybe I’m out of touch, but I was hoping for a little more kenny, Brad, Keith and Carrie and Taylor.
I did, however, enjoy the performance. I thought she did a good job interpreting the song on her own account and mixing it with White Horse. She looked a lot happier than she did at the AMAs, which was a nice thing to see.
And I think that perhaps there are a lot of people who read the blog who like Taylor, and choose not to comment because they see all the negative comments and do not wish to be attacked or agued with. I’ve talked to quite a few people who think that, so the negative comments truly are a misleading aspect of the blog. There ARE people who like Taylor who do not comment.
And remember folks - it’s a BLOG…aka posting your opinions and thoughts and something. Shouldn’t we let her write what she wants? If you don’t like the subject, then you shouldn’t bother reading it. Alison has the right to write what she wants. If CMT’s allowing her to do this, they must like her.
Rich says:
To KAYKO
Taylor Swift is talented at what?
You have to be good at something first to be considered talented. I she would finally sing one of her on songs on key I will give her some credit.
Anyone can get on stage and sing off key does that make them very talented too?
Her album sounds great and the songs are well written but the proof of talent has to be in the performance. Just because you said you built a beautiful house I shouldn’t automatically believe you are a great carpenter just from that statement. I need to see you hammer a couple of nails first and stand up a few walls before I can believe you.
I’m just saying that’s all.
kayko says:
Rich
I have seen Taylor perform live and yes she is a good performer. I can tell that you don’t like her so it wouldn’t matter what she did, you would never like her. The thing is if I don’t care for an artist I don’t feel the need to comment on them. I’ll never understand people that have to rip others apart, maybe it makes them feel better about themselves.
TITANSFAN says:
TAYLOR SWIFT IN MY OPION IS VERY TALENTED SHE MAY NOT SING GOOD LIVE BUT HER NEW ALBUM FEARLESS IS REALLY GOOD!
SORRY PEOPLE BUT I PERSONALLY LIKE TAYLOR SWIFT SO KEEP ON BASHING HER ALL U WON’T ITS NOT GOING TO CHANGE HOW HER FANS FEEL.
Maggie says:
My 10 year old daughter was watching The Grammy Program with me last night and when Taylor Swift was singing she turned to me and said that girl can’t sing. I was shocked when she said that but it is true. My daughter doesn’t even listen to country music. She’s in to the Jonas Brothers and she also likes John Mayer.
Lauren says:
Wow, I’m so proud of the country music community for all of these comments. In my opinion, pop music can have her. I think she is an embarrassment. Our late greats are rolling over in their graves, and I wonder what our living legend think of her now, like Reba, George, Alan, and others.
Rich says:
to KAYKO
I love country music and I love live shows. I never said Taylor swift had a bad Album it is great.
Just because a lot of people put huge sums of money into making a great album does not make a great artist or even give you talent.
If she could pull off her songs live even just a little bit I would say she is a great talent. Everyone goes flat or misses a line or two. Taylor has yet to prove to all of us that she is the talented person we are led to believe who is on that album.
Oblivious says:
We soon forget that some of you even bought that piece of crap from Garth Brooks not so long ago called “Chris Gaines” He wore a wig and changed his name people?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Chris Gaines is a fictional alternative rock singer created as an alter ego for a movie project entitled The Lamb by Garth Brooks. Brooks assumed the Chris Gaines personality in 1999, recording one album under the name and charting two singles on the Billboard charts, including the Top 5 pop hit “Lost in You”.
Chris Gaines people! Chris Gaines!! What self respecting country music singer would try to put out such crap!!!
This just proves that anything goes! Why wouldn’t they try to pull this crap again and call Garth, Taylor Swift!! He can loose weight (he does lose a lot of weight before concert tours) and put on a blonde wig!!
Wait Garth would sing it better live…
MLD says:
“Wait Garth would sing it better live…”
not much.
As far as Taylor’s cd sounding great - it’s 2008 technical engineering can make anyone sound great.Don’t mean your a singer.
Oblivious says:
I was just giving Garth a little credit. Don’t get me wrong!
Garth is one of the most fake pieces of crap CMT ever turned out!
There, it has to be said! He is not country never was!
LeAnn says:
I think it’s really sad that everyone wants to bash taylor. She is an amazing songwriter and I know this for a fact. Yes it’s true her vocals aren’t as strong as carrie’s and martina’s but her voice is sweet and it fits her music very well. At least i can sing her songs. I’m not bashing carrie but most of her music i can’t even sing because she goes so high. Taylor writes what she feels which so many people can relate to. Thats why she’s as big as she is. I found her before she became huge and she has worked very hard to get where she is so I dont appreciate people downing her the way yall are doing. She is the sweetest person ever and do you know of anyone else who would stand after a show 2 or 3 hours sometimes 4 to meet all her fans? She has done so much for me and others and she’s just doing what she loves. She’s going through alot right now and yes i know last night’s performance may not have been amazing but if you were standing in front of the guy who broke your heart and in front of other artists and you being 18 years old. . . would you be able to handle all the pressure plus it being live television? I dont think so. So people I think it is rather rude to down someone and bash someone when your not in there shoes. She’s done nothing but been here for her fans and I think we should give her the respect that she deserves and stop bashing.Thank you.
Oblivious says:
She was not standing in front of the guy who broke her heart!! Sob sob sob!!
Crap, Crap, Crap!
Quit reading the press releases and watching the tripe on E News. The whole relationship thing is just more hype to sell albums. Teen Drama…Wake up.
All we are saying is quit putting that girl on TV with other people who deserve to be there.
If you want to go and see her at the local high school then fine. That’s where talent like hers should be until she learns some chops!!!
Oblivious says:
Leanne Rimes handled everything just fine and she was only 13 years old at the time. Why because is the real deal and not someone they had to push on us.
Keep bad unrehearsed talent where it belongs at your local bar or club not on my television trying to represent country music.
I bet Leanne Rimes had boyfriends and issues to deal with when she was on stage at an even a younger age. She left us speechless every time.
casey says:
I personally thought it was quite funny and appropriate that she had to sing (although you can’t call what she does sing) infront of Joe Jonas. Hope he was smack dap in her face. Serves her right for the crap she said about him. What a skewed line of bull that was! Hope the Jonas Brothers win best new artist. Something Taylor failed to win! She should never have been nominated in the first place.
MLD says:
Many ,many ,many ,many ,many artist when they are starting out stay after concerts to meet fans and sign autographs. Taylor is in no way unique except that she is a terrible singer and is being marketed to the hilt to the teens who buy into it.
Singing in front of the guy that broke her heart…please!!!! LOL….Marketing
alex says:
LeeAnn has always been and continues to be a class act. Congratulations to her on the nomination. Very well deserved.
diamond says:
i think taylor sang alot better than than at the amas!she should have had at least one nomination!! go taylor keep writing your songs and just being who you are!!
leo says:
Right on Oblivious– comparing Taylor to Leann isn’t possible–
Taylor Just Can’t Sing- PERIOD
Sorry
Fact
Oblivious says:
They (They shall remain nameless) are trying to turn Country music into the same crap we see on other stations.
Examples: Taylor Swift “Not Country”, Kid Rock “Not Country”, Jessica Simpson “Not Country”, Garth Brooks “Not country”, Darius Rucker (used to be a blowfish and a guy on a BK commercial”, Julianne Hough (Dancing with the stars? Can’t sing), Phil Stacey(Idol).
At least we know Bucky Covington is Country by the way that boy talks dear god he sounds like my brother.
I am from the South and country is in the soul. It does not matter where you are from. Keith Urban is from Australia and he has more country in his little toe than the above mentioned examples.
So why do we keep seeing these mentioned people on every County music award show, program and commercial?
It is the watering down of something great, Country Music.
Don’t let them do to country music what they did to rock music.
vp says:
Reality check live televison performances are a part of the business and if you can’t handle the pressure just decline instead of embarassing a whole genre of music that you are representing especially at the Grammy level.
With that said I do think Taylor is a good writer, I definitely think she has a target audience only 4-16 girls. I just wish she could write more mature songs to relate to an adult crowd.
Taylor can sing but only in like two register’s that’s why Tim McGraw was so good, it was very soft and that is what suits her voice, she will never be able to hit the money note as the big names do, but if she would just stick to what she is good at, I’m sure she’ll be just fine.
It is sad though that she has on this album targeted only a certain age group, cause it really makes it all seem manufactured. We all know children and teens own the retail market and that is exactly what she went for. I do see alot of change in Taylor since she has won a couple breakthrough awards, as nice as she is to hang out for hours after a show, she does seem to be getting greedy, wanting to sell the most, looking like a pouting child when she didn’t win at the CMA’s (cmon you had no chance), and the you could see the jealousy ooosing from her face when Carrie got her standing O, it was a little pathetic. I appreciate the more humble Taylor not the one who has been begging on her blog and live tv for votes and to buy as she has been doing lately, it seems that her maturity is going in reverse right now.
I hope she can turn it around.
ROSEBUD says:
Wow, I love Garth Brooks. He would be the first person to tell someone he’s not that great vocally but, go to a Garth concert and you will never forget it. It was awesome! He sang pretty good too! There is alot more to a performer then just singing. I remember when I was a kid watching Randy Travis perform. Good lord paint drying would have been more entertaining.lol Let’s just face the facts as fans we all have different ideas of what good and bad is. I personally am glad we have plenty to choose from. Go Garth and Taylor!!!! and for that matter any artist who is doing what they love.
Rebalover says:
If Taylor Swift gave last nights performance in a forest and no one was there to hear it, would it have still sounded bad?
Yes. Because she still can’t sing in tune to save her life!
vp says:
I was very glad to see the veteran woman back in the running, their noms are very deserving, the only two newer woman who should be in there are Carrie who is in there and Miranda. Miranda should have performed last night she would have given a great performance and shown all the grammy watcher’s what country gals can do.
kayko says:
The thing is if Taylor was so horrible live people wouldn’t pay to see her, and from what I’ve seen for myself she always draws a huge crowd.
When ever an artist becomes popular there is always those who claim that they can’t sing, they are only popular because of their looks, only the teens like them etc. This is not the first time and i’m sure it won’t be the last.
vp says:
Have you seen her crowd 16 and under girls brought there by there mother’s or grandmothers. I found it real offensive to RF that when she opened for them this year all the youngins soaked up the good floor seats. After Taylor was done it was past bedtime plus they didn’t know who RF were so all the kids left and people were ushered down to better seats to fill the floor, hense target market. Sad for the talented and entertaining RF, saw the show twice this year for RF not Taylor and it happend at both in two diff states.
MLD says:
kayko yes they would still pay to go see her even though she can’t sing because they’ve bought into the hype.
Teens flock to see Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers too.Doesn’t make them good singers.They couldn’t carry a note between them.
Taylor bless her little heart can not now nor will she ever be able to sing good.She just doesn’t have the talent.
bkb says:
come on chris parton, are you afraid like the rest of the people in country music to truly say what they think of swift. just because she has sold all of this music does not excuse her from being critized. this girl has to go.
kayko says:
Yes Taylor is going to the bank and she’ll get the last laugh while you guys are growling about it. LOL
Deb says:
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jan says:
She maybe laughing now but wait 2 or more years, people will be saying taylor who????
Ronnie says:
Telling the truth about what we heard on the show last night is not hateful. Since when is telling the truth about bad singing hateful.
My daughter has the Taylor Swift cd. I like it.
But explain to me how it is hateful to say the girl can’t sing after it was so obvious on television last night.
TAYLOR SWIFT STREET TEAM says:
I THANK TAYLOR DID A GREAT JOB LAST NIGHT. YOU BASHERS MAKE ME SICK!!! HOW WOULD YOU LIKE IT IF I BASHED YOUR SINGERS. YOU MUST NOT HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO THEN HURT OTHER PEOPLE. YOU KNOW I WILL DO EVERYTHING TO GET THIS BASHING STOPED ON CMT. SICK OF IT. YOU KNOW IF YOU DONT LIKE IT THEN LEAVE WE TAYLOR FANS ARE BY HE MILLIONS WE LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT. YOU BASHER ARE JUST UP SET THAT TAYLOR IS DOING GREAT. YOU BASHERS JUST NEED TO GO AWAY. I WILL HAVE THIS BASHING STOPED.. TAYLOR YOU GO GIRL YOU WERE AMAZING!!!
Cricket on Froggy 104 says:
Go ahead and try to stope it. LOL
jan says:
THE TRUTH HURTS SOMETIMES AND PEOPLE CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gloria says:
Yeah Jan, that’s so true! Just ask Gretchen Wilson!
BC says:
Deb..if the posts are breaking the rules on this blog …then the rules should apply to all post on cmt blogs not just this one on Taylor!
jan says:
I agree with BC!!!!
Tera says:
It is not bashing.
She was terrible last night at the Grammy Show! I like the Foo Fighters but they butchered another cover song last night, had me screaming at my TV. But the did sing and play well that’s a different thing, I just don’t like my favorite rock band playing a Carley Simon song? If the keep it up like that I will not buy any more of their music. It’s my choice.
A person who is as big as Miss Swift should be able to sing better than what I heard. Missing a note or two happens to everyone but she sounds like this every time we see her on TV.
Sounding good on a CD and singing live are apparently two different things when it comes to her.
Why are so many people making excuses for her. When you are repeatably bad at your own job people will say that you are bad and your boss will reprimand you.
We are just stating facts. Lets go to the replay…..
jan says:
TS is a good song writer but I am sorry but she cant sing! That is not bashing that is the truth! She makes good videos and sounds ok in the studio but she cant sing live! Thats just the truth!!!
TITANSFAN says:
IF U PEOPLE CAN’T SAY NOTHING NICE FOR ONCE THEN DON’T SAY IT AT ALL!!! WE ALL HAVE RIGHT TO OUR ON OPIONS BUT U PEOPLE ARE GOING A LITTLE TO FAR WHEN IT COMES TO TAYLOR SWIFT!! U DON’T LIKE HER THATS FINE BUT DON’T JUST KEEP DRAGGING IT ON ON ON ON IT GETS VERY OLD. I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC JUST AS MUCH AS THE REST OF U BUT IM NOT ON HERE BASHING THE SAME PERSON EVERYDAY SO LET IT GO!! IT WOULD BE NICE TO HEAR SOMETHING GOOD FOR ONCE.
Gary says:
I am glad to see that Alison Krauss and Robert Plant were recognized. They made a great record together, and the live show was fantastic. Yes, both of them CAN sing live, and do it quite well.
Leon says:
Maybe she will cut a track with Kid Rock and it will give her more street credit!
They will play the crap out of that!
We all know that Kid Rock is country to the bone! Wasn’t he a rapper once!
Keep supporting this crap people and you will not have any of your favorite artist around at all.
Joe Diffie is having to tour small town fairs and festivals and he has a string of actual hits!! Not made up hits!!
They will push Kenny and the rest out just watch!!!
vp says:
Blogs are not put in place to only boast about an artist they are to discuss opinions which are not all the same or positive. You have to take the good with the bad. If the Taylor Team wants positivity go to her message board that is what that is for. Blogs are for opinions which are aloud to be spoken and opinions can most certainly and usually are discriminatory so that is a dumb rule it is contradictory to the definition of public blogs.
Leon says:
We will stop stating the truth when they stop writing blogs praising a bad performance.
All they had to say was she did not sound rehearsed and was not comfortable on that stage. Like she has been every time we have heard her.
Everyone can learn to take criticism.
Block comments if you don’t want a reply.
jan says:
THAT WAS PUTTING NICE, TITANSFAN!!!
Peanut says:
Although, I did not watch her performance on the Grammy’s I did watch her performance on the CMA’s. She either seemed scared or like she wasnt warmed up or something. She really held back and I could hear the band over her. She didnt seem ready. I have heard her sing live before, and she has done an awesome job. I guess this just wasnt her best. I still love her music and her album Fearless is amazing! Taylor love! <3
IlikewhatIlike says:
Taylor’s “people” want her to go international. They said they don’t concider her a country act, but more like Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne. Then she is on the Grammy concert special, singing a Hall of Fame song like everyone else, but she then sings her own song. Seemed rather disrespectful on top of just being plain bad. Did anyone else sing their own song? Not unless I missed it. I just thought it was a tacky move.
Leon says:
You can say someone was bad in a nice way without covering for their performance.
“sang softly but with conviction, backed up by her band’s sparse instrumentation”
That is covering up for her!!!
Dear God!!!
Doug says:
I find this blog very offensive also. The post go way beyond stating an opinion here and “ARE” very offensive, abusive and hateful.
bigyaz says:
I had never heard Taylor Swift sing before, so I was interested given all the hype. What a horrible voice! Flat, off-key — I thought maybe I was missing something, but given the opinions here I’m clearly not alone.
CJ says:
Finally people are realizing TS can not sing. In person it is almost painful to listen to her. She is pretty and can write songs but she should stick to writing. I think she is put in our faces way to much…She is over rated and over promoted. Just my opinion not a bashing…
lucy says:
Taylor Swift CAN’t SING!
Thats not being hateful
its the truth
Gloria says:
The DJs on my station this morning was discussing the Grammys and one of them wanted to play TS’s part and the other DJ said, NO, I don’t want to hear it again, but they did play about 5 seconds of it and it got cut off real quick. Then Jimmy Carter came on and said something about how badly Taylor sang, but he goes on to say….well, she has not claimed to be a songbird!! What a two faced man he is. He has praised and praised her and now he stabs her in the back! That’s showbiz guys!
K says:
I am in no way a TS fan (even though I do enjoy a few of her songs), but you haters are doing nothing for her. No matter how many people say “she can’t sing” or can’t carry a tune in a bucket,” it will never change that the haters hate her and her fans love her. It will not change that she has a record deal and is making millions each year, and it would change the opinions of her hardcore fans, as much as you haters think it will.
There are plenty of fans like this- many realize their favorite singer may not be the best, but they still support them through all performances, buy all their albums, ect. I am a fine example of this actually, and I am OK with that. I am a HUGE RF fan, but I realize Gary is very pitchy and flat live. I still love them as people, I buy their albums, and, ironically, I love them in concert(not on TV- there is a difference) I admit thier many weakness, and yet I’m still a major fan…it happens a lot more than you might think. And, for all you bashing RF listen to their just- released accapella (yes, I said accapella, haters) version of “I’ll be home for Christmas,” and then compare them to Taylor…Matter of fact, I’d encourage that…
Taylor is a very talented songwriter for her age, and she writes about what she knows. If all she knows about are boys and crushes at least she’s being real. And at least she seems like a genuine, down-to earth girl who doesn’t “turn the other other cheeck” in private.
She may not be the best singer, but a lot of people aren’t; I don’t understand why she’s the only one getting bashed for it. There are plenty of people in all genres of music that are just as bad (or worse- rapper Lil Wayne is a fine example).
I personally don’t think that live preformances do much for many artists anymore anyway- There are DOZENS of artists in every genre that are either labeled as “no talents,” “studio darlings,” ect. I judge someone if they can sing accapella; not if they can sing on an awards show.
Taylor is a fine example- she is an OK singer when sticking to her range, otherwise, forget it. And, yes, she’s even pitchy accapella, but she has vocal talent, it’s just liimited and very, very thin.
Taylor is awesome to her fans- let them think that and move on with your lives people! It amazes me how much time people waste bashing people they hate instead of supporting the ones they love.
Sandy says:
Know one has knocked on her songs or said anything bad about what she writes about.
I don’t think anyone is trying to change any minds out there.
We are just stating the truth about what we heard last night.
She was way off key and butchered a classic song and ran it into one of hers with little regard for our ears.
People are just tired of seeing a girl on every television show who can’t sing well enough to warrant her being there.
We are tired of blogs like this one who defend her to the end and praise her for her blatant lack of effort and vocal skills.
We vote people off idol for that crap!
Has anyone ever seen Showtime at the Appollo that girl wouldn’t have made it past the first verse before the sandman wisp her off the stage in tears.
She is supposed to be a singer people. Everyone is not a great painter, some people have to paint houses. I would not pay money to watch someone paint a house.
Live shows matter. If you can’t preform your skill live with at least moderate ability you are not who you represent yourself as on your CD.
If Jeff Gordon ran an entire race crashing into the wall we would not praise him as a great driver. We would say that guy can’t drive!!
bkb says:
please we need some one with talent to be in front for country music and swift has become a joke trying to be the one doing this.of all the talent she has become this one because of her pr tactics. smart but no talent at all.
Princess says:
who and what was the title of the song that taylor swift sang??
the lyrics were cute..
taylor swift is pretty anyways so no one really cares if she really cant sing
but i think she’s good
i love her songs..
but that’s just my opinion :]
MLD says:
“taylor swift is pretty anyways so no one really cares if she really cant sing”
That’s just sad.
Vicki says:
Listen, Taylor is a wonderful, amazing songwriter. She is gorgeous. She has more confidence than anyone her age or older. But it is fact, anyone normal person who cringes at someone off key (and myself with an MSME), knows Taylor has times when she sings off key. Not the whole song, but there are times when my ears hurt. Also, this was posted on another prominent entertainment site:
>>Taylor Swift’s barely serviceable rendition of Brenda Lee’s “I’m Sorry” (see embedded clip) should open the door for anyone who’d care to join me in saying for the millionth time that this girl may be a savvy little songwriting/marketing genius, but she has no business singing professionally.>>
Maricela says:
I enjoyed Taylor Swift a lot on the Grammy Concert like all her other live performances, but I wish Taylor Swift would have been nominated for a least 1 Grammy Award. Taylor Swift deserves so much more success for her great singing abilities. Taylor Swift and Faith Hill are my top 2 favorite female singers right now. I hope Taylor Swift will perform on the Grammy Awards show anyway, and I hope for sure that Taylor Swift will definitely be nominated next year. I think Taylor Swift is very musically talented.
Chris Gaines rules says:
I think Taylor Swift and Chris Gaines should do a duet at the Grammys!
Gaines Fan
MLD says:
Just thinking about how well Carrie would have sung that song makes Taylor’s version even worse.Bummer
I really don’t see how she’s not embarrassed by these performances.I would be mortified if I sang like that on national TV.
I’m pretty sure Taylor shot herself in the foot for any future Grammy vocalist nominations last night.
kayko says:
There’s a really nice blog about Carrie on the front page. Shouldn’t you fans be there praising her instead of here running Taylor down.
kayko says:
This whole thing has gone from bad to worse. One thing I found out today is that the fan war between Carrie and Taylor fans is nuts, and I think the adults act more childish then the youngsters.
vp says:
“I think people don’t realize that just vocal talent can’t get you far in your career. I mean Carrie Underwood sings better than Taylor obviously, but Taylor is way more popular than her. She writes her own songs, plays her own instrument, and sings them beautifully I think. She has an innate sense of how her music should sound and what people will like.”
Do we really need to compare the two, look at the facts
-3 CMA’s FVOTY
-2 ACM’s FVOTY
-3 Grammys ect.
-first eight realeases straight to #1 singles, only person ever to do that. EVER.
-top selling female country singer for 05, 06, 07, and 08
-headlining after only 3 years, and is #14 for touring in all genre’s for 08
-the list is never ending
Notice the people that were nominated Trisha, Martina, Leanne W, Allison, Leann R
vp says:
sorry didn’t finish.
they are all time great female vocalists Carrie is in there with them cause she is already on her way to having that title as well.
There is simply no comparison between the two and I am a fan of them both but I know who holds the talent.
Carrie cowrote 4 songs on CR 3 of which went to #1, she plays guitar and piano, people should know their facts about both artists before they speak.
Sami says:
kayko…there is no war…these opinions regarding Taylor have nothing to do with anyone else.
rolltidefan says:
THERE IS NO COMPARISON!!!!
kayko says:
Sami
The majority of these opinions are indeed Carrie fans. It’s a shame because both of these young women are talented and there is plenty of room in the music industry for both of them. For every neg. article that is written about taylor there is also pos. ones, just like there is for Carrie.
And to vp when I see Carrie write the majority of songs on an album by herself then I will admit that she has the same writing talant as Taylor.
Sami says:
kayko..I think it is unfair of you to say the majority of these opinions are made by Carrie fans. I have read posts by several of these people on other blogs and they are not Carrie fans.
lauren says:
Kayko’s just mad.
kayko says:
Naw I’m not mad, I just know the difference between opinons and bashing.
Oblivious says:
The truth about Taylor Swift giving a bad performance has nothing to do with other artist or Carry Underwood.
Singing has never been a team sport. American Idol has everyone eat up with this competition thing.
Vocal Artist have to compete with themselves and after the performance last night on the Grammy Show Taylor Swift is losing to herself. Live appearances should help you win new fans every time.
If anything she should try to seek out some help on the vocal performance of her songs no matter if it is for another television show or just for the sake of her fans at a concert.
Obviously after hearing her sing on several TV appearances does not know how to sing in tune. Not talking about bad notes way out the whole song.
that’s all we have been saying.
Oblivious says:
Well Said.
nonsense says:
she could write songs for Carrie since Carrie is only capable of writing a few herself!! what ya think??/? ha ha
Jim C. says:
That’s not a bad idea Nonsense. She has clearly mastered the “writing process” and could make a great living writing for other artists. There are lots of attractive song writers outthere and more than likely when people stop buying her cd’s and attending her concerts, she’ll join those ranks. Additionally, I hope CMT takes responsibility for their gratuitous and undeserved promotion of Miss Swift and NEVER book her for another episode of “Crossroads”! Matching Miss Swift with Def Leopard has to go down in history as one of CMT’s biggest programming blunders.
country fish says:
It was a pop show so I expected the usual average singing. I’m not going to say Taylor can’t sing, she can but she isn’t even close to the best country singers like Faith, Reba, Dolly, Jennifer, LeAnn, Carrie, Kellie, and Miranda. Whose bright idea was it to have her sing a country classic? I knew that was going to be a train wreck before it started because everyone knows she can’t sing those and she’s a pop and pop country singer, that’s about it. That’s why the audience broke out the cheers as soon as she stopped singing the country song and started singing her own pop song. She didn’t have her security guitar to fall back on this time either. I bet any of the other new country girls could nail I’m Sorry. I’m sorry but if you’re a country artist representing the genre you don’t cut a country classic short unless it’s a medley of country classics. I wonder if her label demanded she sing her single for promotion. Gotta sell that next million. Maybe they had her switch to her own song because they know she can’t sing the real country classics or any real country songs. Hopefully Nashville will have enough sense to get better country singers on the Grammy awards.
Taylor fan up in arms! says:
everyone go to you tube and search for “Taylor Swift Wrongfully Snubbed Grammy Nomination”
“retarded” LOL! at the end did she say “let’s get some pitchforks together”? ROFL! cute and funny!
Valerie says:
I have nothing against Taylor Swift and wish her no harm. Hope she enjoyes her success and she obviously loves what she is doing. A great song writer and entertainer at least.
I think my annoyance comes from the way most of the female artist get treated in country music.
LeAnn Rimes grew up in country music and when she grew up and started to change and become more versatile the country music stations slammed her for that. Female artist should not be treated so unfairly. I feels like LeAnn gets “blacklisted” because they never play her music. Especially the newer songs which continue to be nominated or win awards everywhere else. Shes not the only one…Faith, Shania, Martina, Gretchen, plus alot of traditional female artist that are just as great. Maybe country music would not have such a bad rep if they supported all artists. Not just the front few for $$$ commercial artists.
Joey says:
I think Taylor is doing a great job marketing herself in the niche that she’s obviously found. She’s a good songwriter and writes songs that have relevance for her age group. Her songs crossover, albeit because she does tweak them to suit the pop genres. If country radio doesn’t mind her doing this, that their problem. The main problem I have with Taylor is not that she’s a beautiful, talented artist, but that she, at least in this year’s grammy nomination show, was supposedly the highlight “country” artist for the show. If people think this is what country is all about, it leaves a bad impression on our genre. If you’re going to display the best that we have on an all-genre stage, I would hope they could have selected another singer. She did a fine job as the co-emcee, but that should have sufficed. With all the ladies in country music that were nominated, we could have had a very good representation of the music we all love. I’m sorry to say, but Taylor is not up the task.
In the end, she’ll be delegated to being a songwriter. After all, there’s nothing wrong with being a songwriter. With her looks, she could also venture into acting. Leave the singing to professionals. jmo
vp says:
All the statistics about Carrie are facts and can be looked up she just is better.
Here are Carrie’s thoughts from today on STLtoday website:
Underwood’s fame often prompts talk of rivalries, especially with Taylor Swift, who beat out Underwood for an American Music Award last month.
“The whole Carrie vs. Taylor (competition) is absolutely ridiculous,” Underwood says. “It’s not a comparison. … I think we both have our own individual audience and do our thing.”
So now that we know what she thinks can we get back on topic which is not CU vs TS, it is TS at the Gram Noms.
There is another post for Carrie where she can be discussed.
rolltidefan says:
Does anyone ever notice when there is a blog about TS and it starts getting bad it starts disappearing and they put more blogs on here so they can shove the blog about her on down. Its funny how that happens!!!!
rolltidefan says:
And let me add-it kinda shows you who cmt favors.
Carmen says:
I’m doing an assignment on country music for school and I just want to know what everyone likes or dislikes about Taylor’s singing?
luvncountry says:
nonense, George Strait for one relies on other songwriters for HIS success, I’m sure there are more. Not every artist is a songwriter, and by the same virtue, not every songwriter is a singer (or should be). Songwriting is a valid profession that is THEIR bread and butter. Taylor should stick to songwriting.
Carmen, don’t like her singing, she’s flat and off key. Like, she’s following her dream and has great PR.(that ignores her ability to sing).
K says:
First off, to the person who said all Taylor bashers are Carrie fans:
That is 100% not true, and it is a downright fabricated lie. Taylor’s fans seem very threatned by Carrie’s sucuess and most people can see that Carrie is absolutely the better vocalist with no questions asked. She won a singing contest for her pure, genuine vocal ability where millions of people discovered her talent. Even most Taylor fans can admit Carrie is heads above Taylor in the vocal department.
I do like some of Taylor’s songs, and I think she has a genuine personality, but I’m far from a “fan.” I am a huge fan of CU, but that doesn’t mean I throw her stats out to prove to a Taylor fan Carrie is better than her. It seems as if you people don’t know how to respect opinions.
It seems as though people are overly sensitive. If someone who claims to be a fan of one of these women claims that that artists weakness, they’re labeled a “basher.” Or, if someone claims to be a fan of both ladies, one always has to “win.”
This is done by fans who throw out endless stats, record sales, download sales, touring numbers ect, as if the non- fan is somehow going to prove that their artist is somehow “better” than the comparison.
Just because both these ladies are beautiful, have high record sales, good touring numbers, and leigons of loyal, diehard fans in many genres other than country doesn’t mean their fans have to “take sides.” They’re the biggest females in country right now, so what? That doesn’t automatically make them enimies or something!
K says:
And I am a CU fan and I have NEVER bashed Taylor for the record. Matter of fact, I’ve even defending her on a few occasions due to over the top bashing. I just don’t think it’s fair that people label her as a non- talent, just because of vocal ability.
Frankly, I am DISGUSTED by the amount of, “it must be a Carrie fan bashing Taylor again,” or, “it must be a Taylor fan who cannot admit Carrie can sing, unlike Taylor.” the “war” between these two fan bases is uncalled for, not to mention it makes both fanbashes look like jealous and childish children. Grow up people!!! And while you’re add it, listen to the words of Ms. Underwood herself: there is no rivalry.
Jim C says:
I am guessing that only in Country Music can fans get so emotional and defensive about their “Vocal Heros”. I think that’s because Country Music is based on reality and alot of emotion; and in turn, we expect our “Stars” to be real and genuine as well. I am not saying that Miss Swift isn’t genuine because I think she is a very talented song writer and her own personal experiences shine through in her lyrics…..but quite frankly that’s where the talent stops and inexperience and a weak and untrained voice begins. I think that she will eventually find her niche in Country Music as a song writer and I predict that she will do very well.
Lisa says:
Taylor sang her song great and the audience loved it! However I agree with those who said we should have had a better singer sing a classic song to represent country music and pay tribute to a legend. When has Taylor ever sang a country classic on stage before? Never that I know of so why did they have her do it on the Grammy nominations? Why not someone we know can nail country classics? Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler perfectly sang country classics by Tammy, Reba, Dolly, Patsy, Martina and other great singers many times and every time… from Idol to the Grand Ole Opry to concerts… anywhere, anytime.
Kate says:
I wish people would stop lumping Carrie and Kellie Pickler in the same sentence as if they had equal vocal talent. Kellie is not in Carrie’s league as regards vocal skills and anything else for that matter.Kellis is definitely better than Taylor Swift but is nowhere near Carrie’s vocal abilities. I am not bashing Kellie I’m just expressing my opinion
Lisa says:
I wish people would stop acting like Carrie is the only great singer alive because Kellie, Miranda, and a few others are in the same league vocally and otherwise and are very close to Carrie’s vocal abilities. That’s why they all nail the country classics and have the best concerts and performances on awards shows. They are the best LIVE singers!
rebelyell says:
I agree Lisa. I can hear good and I have listened to many more talented Women of Country Music before Carrie Underwood. These other female vocalist of Country are out right being robbed. Country Music has changed. You either except the change or you do not. I personally purchase the music I see fit. What ever happen to the wonderful Women of Country Music. I truely miss there appearances and there beautiful voices. BTW Carrie Underwood is not the strongest vocally and NOT considered Country by a long shot. No comment on Miss Taylor. It’s obvious!
MLD says:
Kate i was thinking the exact same thing as I read Lisa’s post.
Kellie is in no way Carrie’s equal vocally.
rebelyell who says Carrie isn’t considered country?
The CMA do, the ACM do, the Grammy’s do and on and on.So who are you refering to?
Nana says:
Lisa–sorry but I disagree with you Carrie may not be the best alive–But that being said Kellie is no where near as good a singer as Carrie that is just fact now she is better than Taylor but she is not even as good as Miranda. That is why on every awards show she has sang on she sounds weak vocally and her fans blame it on the sound but come on how long can you blame it on the sound system.
K says:
I agree…to say Kelie and Carrie are in the same leauge vocally is laughable. Kellie butchered a few songs on Idol, and she’s butchered quite a few at awards shows. If she was as good as Carrie she would be flawless and better than on the album in every live performance. She is nowhere near that level. Carrie, however, is.
Kellie CAN sing, after all she did get through the Idol judges and made it to the top six, so she’s obviously not that bad. But to lump her in with great singer like Martina, Carrie, and Leann is a big mistake.
K says:
This “Carrie isn’t country” argument is so old. Carrie is JUST as any mainstream country artist out there these days, it’s a fact. And, she’s a better vocalist than 80% of them, in my opinion.
If you call her not country than her a list of the dozens who are also “not country:
Taylor Swift (who’s remixed every single one of her songs)
Jason Aldean (who is pop/rock/pop country
Sugarland
Kellie Pickler
Rascal Flatts
Kenny Chesney
Tim McGraw
Miranda Lambert
And the list goes on…
At least Carrie hasn’t remixed any of her songs to pop radio. And, at least she can do country classics like “Stand By Your Man” just as good (if not better) than the originals.
Taylor is doing well for herself, and judging by her album sales and popularity in other generes, I’m guessing she’s not going anywhere soon. All you people bashing her and comparing “Carrie this and Taylor that” need to get lives. They are both popular with enormus fanbases who support the female they like. It’s not the end of the world if people don’t agree on musical taste for goodness sakes!!
K says:
And…I find the statement that the others females of country are being “robbed” by Carrie to be completly ridiculous. Carrie has won dozens of awards, and lots of them fan voted. If the majority of fans thought someone was better than Carrie than those fans should have voted. “Some Hearts” sold seven million copies. Obviously tons of people don’t think she’s “robbing” anyone.
Her fans made her successful, and they continue to. Just because she has more fans than Martina, Reba, Faith…doesn’t mean she is “robbing” anyone; it means tons of people feel she is deserving of her success…
Sharon says:
I was shocked at how bad she was. I would think she would be very embarassed by listening to her performance.
Lance baker says:
This bashing of Taylor Swift needs to stop!!!!!
I mean you people make it sound like she can’t sing live at all. I watch some of her live performances on youtube and she sounds a lot better now then when she first started out. Give her some credit for that! Watch her on David Letterman when she sings fearless. She sang just like her album. Taylor swift is talented and I read some of you EVIL PEOPLE responses are way out of line. There are some of you people who have no heart at all. Taylor is a human being she has feelings, I bet you are hurting her right now especially she might be reading some of these comments. It’s sad. If you don’t like her then leave it at that. There should be no reason for anyone to say anything so cruel.
As a fan I will stand up for my favorite artist her records will show. Taylor will do wonders. LOVE HER tons….. Thanks to those who stood up for Taylor Swift.
people give it a rest jump to a new subject….. This is getting old….
K says:
Thanks for this, Lance! I am not a Taylor fan, but I didn’t feel it apropriate to bash her over and over like a lot of these people have. Taylor is a young girl who is having a blast seeing her dreams come true. Millions of people are buying and enjoying her music. Why not let those who enjoy her do just that?
Some of these posters are showing how childish and immature haters can be, and honestly, it’s quite sad. It’s pathetic how you haters have time to post multiple times about how horrid Taylor is or how all her fans are tone-deaf little girls, but yet, you cannot post tons about an artist you love??
I hope Taylor enjoys her success, and ends up doing what makes her happy.
Nashfan says:
Nana, your opinion that “Kellie is no where near as good a singer as Carrie that is just fact” is just that, an opinion not a fact. If Kellie were no where near as good a singer as Carrie I would not be a Kellie fan. Kellie certainly is as good as Miranda too. She deserved a CMA Female Vocalist of the Year nomination along with Miranda and Carrie, but they are more established and Carrie is far more promoted than Miranda and Kellie. When you have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more equal vocalists that qualify for a nomination, many voters look at sales and airplay along with talent. Who knows, maybe Kellie was just a few votes shy of the nomination. I think it also helped Taylor that she won Horizon and ACM top new female before. There is a lot of politicking or lobbying that goes on for industry voted awards and her label does everything they can to help her get votes. Haven’t seen the same from Kellie’s label. I imagine Sony helped Carrie, Martina, and Miranda, all Sony artists, and there were only 2 more spots, one went to a veteran and one to a new artist. Kellie also deserves Grammy nominations. I Wonder easily deserved a win last year and it’s better than some of the nominated songs. Kellie is one of the most underrated and overlooked in recent years for some nominations and wins. From what I’ve seen that’s mostly because she gets promoted less than others, and she doesn’t have as many industry connections or as much help and support as some do.
Kellie has never sounded weak vocally on any awards show and her performances are some of the best in the history of the CMAs. Read what Kenny Chesney, Carrie and Hazel Smith said about them:
Kenny (Instyle) “What was the highlight of the night for Kenny Chesney? “[Kellie Pickler] nailed it. I think it was the biggest moment of the show,” said the humble star, who racked up his second straight entertainer of the year award.”
Carrie (FOX News) “You know that every single word she said was very heartfelt, and I love her to death. I’ve gotten to hang out with her quite a bit, and consider her to be a good friend of mine. You know there was not a dry eye in the house and I can’t wait to see her win some awards next year.”
Hazel Smith (CMT) “It made me sad that Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson and Kellie Pickler did not win any awards, but I must say that each of them gave a winning performance. Among the outstanding musical moments were Urban’s “Sweet Thing,” Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” Jackson’s “Good Time” and Pickler’s “The Best Days of Your Life,” along with Miranda Lambert’s “More Like Her,” Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long,” Paisley’s “Waitin’ on a Woman,” James Otto’s “Just Started Loving You” and Kenny Chesney’s “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven.”
Nicole Kidman was stunningly beautiful. Kellie Pickler was stunningly beautiful. And Carrie Underwood was stunningly beautiful.”
I respect the opinions of those 3 because they know a lot about and have great taste in country music. Kellie sounds just as good as the other great singers on the awards shows. Last year she had the best performance on the show and won CMT Performance of the Year for it. She was one of the better singers this year too. Not bad considering most of the singers are the best in Nashville. This year she didn’t even get to sing her entire song, while others got to sing their full songs. It’s pretty sad when you think about it, the best performer on the 2007 CMAs didn’t even get to perform a full song on the 2008 CMAs? Go figure, must be because of promotion again. Kellie’s live performances are great no matter what sound system they use! She proved many times that she doesn’t even need a sound system or any music to sing and sound great.
shreksfiona says:
I love Taylors Swifts songs and I am so happy that she is so grounded both in her carer and her personal life.
I was concerned that in the CMT Insider: Taylor Swift she
was driving with the CMT host in her silver Lexis without a seat belt for either of them. I have seem how seat belts saved so many lives and I hope she will be more aware of my concerns.
Remember Taylor You Are Loved by your fans and we want you to be safe.
Nashfan says:
K, that’s your opinion. Mine is to say they aren’t in the same league vocally is laughable. Kellie never butchered any songs on Idol and that’s why she was never in the bottom 3, unlike those who hit bottom 3 because they butchered songs or just aren’t great singers. That’s why Simon never blasted Kellie’s singing like he did those who can’t sing. She was nervous and off slightly on a few oddball songs, which was the only time she was below top 3 in votes. Most weeks she was in the top 3 and she won when she sang country and pop/rock songs. Country and pop/rock fans didn’t expect her to sing a Stevie Wonder or Ella Fitzgerald song perfect. Most important, she nailed her country and pop/rock songs, which is really all that matters since she’s a country/pop/rock singer.
Kellie had the most raw inexperienced talent of anyone ever on Idol and she got even better during and after the season. She had never even performed with a live band before Idol, she was just a great raw talent young singer. Carrie was a few years older with more experience and had cut a few demo CDs to go for a record deal before Idol. Most of the singers Kellie competed with were older, some 5 or 10 years older with many years more experience and some had their own bands for years and made CDs. 4 of the 5 who finished above Kellie were older and they all had a lot more singing experience. Most just aren’t as talented so they didn’t make albums as great as Kellie and Daughtry. The winner had been regularly performing concerts for over 10 years and had made a few albums before Idol but he wasn’t one of the best singers, his fans mostly just loved to watch him perform. It’s rare to find a true diamond in the rough like Kellie and she has done as well or better than many Idols with years more experience simply because she’s a better singer, songwriter, and performer and than most. If Sony gave her just half the additional promotion they gave Carrie, Taylor’s label gave her, or the additional promotion any of the higher sellers get I’m sure her airplay, sales, awards, concerts, etc. would be higher too.
To say Kellie has butchered a few songs at awards shows is also incorrect and laughable. She has never butchered any songs on any awards shows or anywhere. That’s why the best artists and vocalists asked her to tour with them just like they asked Carrie and why she gets to sing on the main stage at the CMA Music Festival, ACM awards, CMA awards, CMT awards, many times at the Opry. It’s also why she gets standing ovations and won awards. Who has given some of the best performances on awards shows? Carrie and Kellie. Who nailed National Anthem in front of millions of people at many major sports events? Carrie and Kellie. Who was asked to sing Christmas songs for a Sony country Christmas album and got the best vocal reviews on the album? Carrie and Kellie. Which country singers are the only 2 Idol asks back to sing in front of 30 million viewers every year? Carrie and Kellie. Who gets standing ovations at the Opry, CMAs, and concerts? Carrie and Kellie.
No mistake about it, Kellie is a great singer like Martina, Carrie, and LeAnn. Speaking of Martina, Independence Day was the first song Kellie ever sang in front of a live audience. She auditioned for Idol with Martina’s A Broken Wing, and, like they did for Carrie, all 3 judges approved and said YES, even Simon, and so did fans. Some of the best Idols including Daughtry got a yes from just 2 judges. It was that great audition performance that first made me and many others fans. Kellie also sings and nails Martina songs at many concerts. If she didn’t do a great job I’m sure fans and management would let her know. Fans keep going to her concerts because she’s an excellent singer, one of the best. I’m sure more fans would go if her music were promoted and played more. You said Carrie can do country classics like Stand By Your Man just as good (if not better) than the originals. Well guess what Kellie has done that exact same thing many times at the Opry and concerts and the audiences loved it. Carrie wasn’t flawless and better than the album on every live performance because no one is and I’ve seen her perform when she wasn’t. Everyone, even the best, have off days because they are human not robots. That’s how it goes with all artists, some songs and performances are better than others. I’ve seen the best in Nashville have off days and it happens to everyone for various reasons including nerves, illness, and stress.
So no one is lumping anyone, they just happen to be the best of the best and do many of the same things, and many people realize this. Is it OK with you for country music fans to be fans of more than just 1 artist? The facts show that Martina, Carrie, LeAnn, and Kellie all proved they are great singers. Miranda too and even though she placed 4th on Nashville Star she’s the best from that show. It doesn’t matter where Carrie, Kellie, Miranda, or anyone finished on Idol or Star because obviously they are the most talented. It’s what they did after those competitions that counts a million times more and they all made great albums and have great concerts, everything they do is great really. They always work hard and do their best and someone just needs to work on getting Kellie’s songs promoted and played more.
Nashfan says:
K, I agree that Carrie is just as country as any mainstream country artist out there these days and she’s a better vocalist than 80% of them. Carrie and most or all the artists you named are country/pop/rock.
Excellent point about fan-voted awards, and the majority of country fans did vote for Kellie Pickler when she swept the 2008 CMT Music Awards. She won the big Performance of the Year award for the best country performance on TV including ALL of the country awards shows and CMA Music Fest. They didn’t all vote for Kellie because they thought she is “better” than Carrie like you put it, they voted for Kellie because she is just as good and she had the best performance the first time she performed on any awards show, the 2007 CMAs. Surely you know that Carrie is not the only one to win fan voted awards?
Yes obviously Carrie’s fans don’t think she’s robbing anyone. I believe the biggest reason why Carrie and Taylor have so many more fans and sold millions more CDs is because their labels promote them and the men far more than Kellie and the other females. Some of Carrie and Taylor’s songs were also released to pop radio, which alone is huge promotion because pop has an even bigger audience than country radio. So they get far more airplay than ALL the other country females, therefore they sell far more records because airplay sells more records than any other form of promotion. Every time a song is played it’s an ad for the song, album, and concert. That’s why local stations crank up the airplay for artists just before their concerts hit the area, to advertise shows and sell more tickets. 7 million sales is a lot however Carrie is just on her 2nd album and hasn’t sold as many albums as Reba or Faith yet so she doesn’t have more fans than them. Fans usually buy albums so that’s a good way to tell how many fans one has. So far, Reba has sold over 55 million and Faith over 35 million albums. Martina has four platinum, one 2x, one 3x, and a gold so maybe about 8 or 9 million. So give these fine ladies the respect they deserve, and maybe one day after she releases a lot more albums Carrie will have sold as many as Faith or Reba. It’s harder to do these days since album sales are down.
No one said Carrie is robbing the other females, just that they get robbed. Is it Carrie’s fault? No. Both of Kellie’s albums have many songs that deserve to be top 5 and #1 hits like all the other best new artists got, but for some reason most of those songs have not been released as singles and the ones that do get released don’t get promoted enough to make top 10. What a shame. Kellie’s albums also have some songs that could do just as well as Carrie and Taylor’s on pop radio if they were released and Taylor even co-wrote one of those songs, so why don’t they get released to country AND pop radio where they belong so Kellie can sell more albums too? Kellie and Sugarland were nominated for Performance of the Year for I Wonder and Stay but only 1 of those songs made top 10 on radio even though both deserved #1. At least some stations put I Wonder #1 on their playlists like the song deserved.
Country radio plays 80% males and 20% females, and female airplay has been declining in recent years. For the most part the labels only heavily promote and radio plays just 2 solo females, Carrie and Taylor. Anything they release quickly goes to #1. Love Story took just 2 weeks. Labels and radio take about 20 or more weeks to get the other best females just to top 15 or 20, so they get less airplay, fewer singles released, and most of the millions of radio listeners never get to hear some of their best songs. Carrie, Taylor, Jennifer (Sugarland) and an occasional Martina song are about the only females that made top 5 in the past few years. Miranda came close once after releasing 7 singles. It’s like those running things are are afraid to heavily promote and play more females.
The playing field is not level for most of the women so that’s why some people say they get robbed. If Carrie released the best song on her album, a song that deserves #1 and it didn’t make it past #13 on radio what would you call that? No one would complain? Contrary to what some might think or want, Carrie and Taylor are not the only female artists with great new songs that deserve to be played more and make #1 on radio because people want to hear them. Kellie and others have songs just as great as theirs and many of the men’s songs too. Rock on, ladies!
Nana says:
Too bad everyone does not share you opinion!!
lauren says:
May, you don’t always have to relate to a song to make it good. Teens like taylors songs because they say ” i can relate to it”. Last name is just a fun song its not saying you need to do what it says. i mean really, i like taylors songs but im 15 and i don’t think about boys all the time, i have better things to do and think about! if these teenage girls can relate to taylors songs so much then maybe they need to start thinking of things better than boys!
Nashfan says:
Why is that too bad Nana? Isn’t that what opinions are for? I don’t need for everyone to share my opinions. I love that not everyone shares anyone’s opinions and it makes things interesting.
Melody Jo says:
For all of you that think Taylor Swift can’t sing, you obviously haven’t herd any of her CDs. She’s an amazing singer, just because she may not of sounded all that great that night, does not mean she’s a bad singer.
Valerie says:
Computers!
K says:
Taylor can sing, but she neeeds songs that fit her range (such as “White Horse” or “Tim McGraw”) I feel sorry for the girl, I’ve heard dozens of people call her talentless, and they viciously attack her.
Kellie is a good singer, but she nowhere near any of the legendary ladies. Sorry, but I stick by my opinion that Carrie is in a class of her own as far as vocals go. I’m not comparing Carrie’s album sales to Reba, Faith, ect. I’m simply saying that Carrie IS more successful than them right now; they haven’t had staying power.
Mary says:
Heard her sing on the New Years Eve celebration in Times Square when it was broadcast on TV. Was looking forward to watching with my daughter. Was shocked at how off-key and flat she was. I was disappointed as I had heard so much about her “amazing” talent. Just another “packaged” singer. I actually googled her that night to see if perhaps I was just “hearing” things but then I found a lot of people saying the same thing. Such as shame when there are so many other talented singers out there who can’t get a break.
Jimmy says:
Taylor Swift is AWESOME!