Fallout From the 43rd CMA Awards Nominations
Here are some musical tidbits that came out of the nominations for the 43rd CMA Music Awards:
• The Raconteurs got their first nomination -- for musical event for "Old Enough" and also garnered guest vocalist Ashley Monroe her first nomination. Another guest vocalist, Ricky Skaggs, earned his 24th CMA nomination. His last nomination came 10 years ago in the same category. He has won eight CMA awards.
• Randy Travis, up for song of the year and for musical event with Carrie Underwood for "I Told You So," was last nominated in 2003. He last won in 1988, for male vocalist. The song for which he and Underwood are nominated, his composition "I Told You So," was a No. 1 hit for Travis in 1988. He has a total of five wins and 24 nominations.
• Lee Ann Womack, in line for musical event for "Everything but Quits" with George Strait, was last nominated in 2005 and received a total of six nods that year. She won three awards in 2005 -- for album, single and musical event (also with George Strait).
• In earning his first two CMA nominations this year, for male vocalist and new artist, Darius Rucker becomes the first black artist to receive a CMA nomination in 29 years. Charley Pride's last nomination came in 1980 for the album There's a Little Bit of Hank in Me.
• This is the first year since 1998 that Alan Jackson has not been nominated. His string of 79 nominations and 16 awards dates back to 1990.
• Toby Keith continues to receive minimal attention from the CMA Awards. He was last nominated in 2005, for entertainer, song, single and video. He won the latter category, making it his second CMA win.
• Carrie Underwood, nominated this year for female vocalist and musical event, has never been nominated for entertainer of the year. She has five awards -- three for female vocalist, one for single of the year and one Horizon Award (now known as the new artist of the year award).
• Rascal Flatts' seven CMA awards include six straight for vocal group and one for the Horizon Award. They were twice nominated for entertainer of the year, the last time being in 2007.
• Jason Aldean was not nominated this year, despite repeated radio and chart success. Aldean has two past nominations -- in 2008 for new artist and in 2007 for Horizon.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
sierrafina says:
What about Tim, I know he hasn’t done much this year but you could of least mention him in your article since he was snub in the past especially 2006 and 2007 when he was the TOP selling Male Artist in Country music and top tour and GOT ZERO NODS.
Are they going to give him an honorary award when he is named by Billboard in December as the TOP SELLING COUNTRY ARTIST OF THE DECADE. They honored Garth when he got that title for the 90’s.
Won’t hold my breath.
diane says:
Taylor Swift..Entertainer of the year..You have GOT to be kidding..
barb b says:
what a joke
barb b says:
keith or brad all the way
bjlog says:
I think Reba McEntire should be female entertainer of the year…she’s really worked hard and her newest CD is GREAT!
JRope says:
Keith Urban has proved himself over and over that he deserves Entertainer of the Year…Just saw him again and the man is unbelievable…singing, entertaining and the gutiar playing is PHENOMINAL!!! Defying Gravity is a great album.
Gabriela says:
Go Carrie. Personally Taylor should be a songwriter not a singer. Sorry girl can’t sing!!!!!!!!!!!!
CountryManiac says:
OMG..Taylor for Entertainer of the year. haha what a joke. She cant sing. I repeat SHE CANT SING!! shes horrible man. Reba or Carrie should be in there
Taylorwho? says:
Taylor was thrown a bone in the EOTY category ONLY because of her sales. She was a field filler, and only because of that. She is probably ranked fifth of the five in chances to win. It will be interesting to see the whining on Nov. 12
Staci says:
I love Taylor and I can’t say she doesn’t deserve the EOTY nom but her first tour isn’t even over yet. I honestly think that Rascal Flatts should be the one’s nominated and they get cut out of everything. There Unstoppable album is AMAZING!
waynoe says:
It’s all political and many know that - especially the insiders.
Donna says:
Congrats Taylor! Tons of success being so young & talented.
kimw says:
I can’t believe Taylor Swift was nominated as EOTY - she shouldn’t even be aloud to sing on stage - she can’t sing.
Her voice isn’t even that great when they doctor it up in the studios, but if you have ever heard her sing in concert, she can’t carry a tune at all. And to give it to her over Carrie, get real……
Total Country says:
Can’t wait to see Carrie and Brad co-host-that is all I will watch for, unless they sing, other than that-thumbs down on rest of it.
Redmaz says:
The Raconteurs? Ashley Monroe? Ricky Skaggs? Americana Music being represented at the cma awards. I believe this happens almost every year lately.
Tommy says:
You carrie fans that are hating on Taylor are just jealous because Taylor is out shinning Carrie in a multitued of ways and especially on receiving ‘EOTY’ nod from the CMA (her peers) NOT FAN VOTED! LOL
Taylor has broken records on top of records going back 30 years, this past year.. and sold out stadiums other artist hasn’t been able to..not only sold them out but in mere minutes. She’s the real deal the whole package… the whole enchilada..
Taylor sings not screams her stories/songs. The girl is awesome. Her ‘Fearless’ Album and ‘Tour’ is awesome. Taylor is like a breath of fresh air, much needed by country music.
CMA (the powers that be) are a smart bunch… They couldn’t have nominated a more qualified, deserving artist for ‘Entertainer Of The Year’ than Taylor Swift.
Granny says:
Of course it’s political! That’s why Kenny Chesney’s name is in the paper, on the radio, on the internet, on cmt.com or anywhere else, all the time. Because of his financial clout, he’s praised as the second coming! The man doesn’t write songs, doesn’t play the guitar, doesn’t convince me he can even strum the guitar with any indication of ability, and lives on an island outside of the U.S. He’s overhyped and over-exposed and minimally talented. The same goes for Taylor Swift. Carrie Underwood is good but way too far removed from being the “good girl” she pretends to be. No wonder Nashville has the reputation of being a hard place to make a living — it’s a kiss-ass and you’ll get along town - something Toby Keith knows very well.
Dan says:
Why is it reported that Taylor Swift is the first woman to be nominated for Entertainer of the year since 2000? Carrie Underwood won it last year! Its bad enough Swift is considered a country artist, but to make false claims is pretty low, even for her!
Bullride says:
I think what’s really low is you confusing the cma with the acm.
bkb says:
i’m in shock that someone like swift would even be considered for award for female vocalist or heaven forbid, entertainer of the year, she entertains only little girls who know nothing about talent just the stupid show she puts on.
Debra says:
I quess the qualities have sunk to an all time low if they nominate someone who cant carry a tune in a box Taylor Swift for EOT come on CMA what has happened !!!
scott says:
Reba should win female vocalist award.
country2 says:
Tommy,
Your comment that Taylor’s nomination for EOTY at the CMA’s is from her peers and not fan voted like Carrie’s from the ACM’s is not correct. Carrie’s nomination for the ACM EOTY did in fact come from her peers. The fans were not allowed to vote for the EOTY nominees. They were only allowed to vote for the winner after the nominees had been announced. The fan vote only partially came into play in deciding the winner. The EOTY winner was decided by the peers and the fans and was not 100% fan voted.
Anyways best of luck to all the CMA nominees. I will say that even though Taylor got nominated for EOTY I don’t think she will win it this year. I see Brad or Keith winning it this year.
Michelle R says:
I think its about time that Keith Urban gets EOTY. He’s released his new album this year, and he has an amazing new tour. This is his year. He deserves it. I wend to Keith’s Escape Together World Tour when it came to Columbus this year. He is a true entertainer. His concerts are awesome. I think he is the most deserving nominee for EOTY. My second choice would be Brad Paisley. I really hope Keith wins, but as long as Keith or Brad get the award, I will be very happy. They are both great entertainers.
D says:
As far as i am concerned George Strait Deserves Entertainer of the year, the rest dont even come close. He constantly comes out on top with all the Glitter and Noise the others make and probably as stuck up as most of them are. Go George
page47 says:
While some prefer Taylor Swift to my mind Toby Keith is far more deserving of the Entertainer of the Year nomination than Taylor Swift. I agree, its all politics.
Mickey says:
Dan, the claim that Taylor is the first female nominated for EOTY since 2000 is NOT false. They are talking about the CMA awards, not the ACM awards. Yes, Carrie won the ACM for entertainer of the year. However, when it comes to the CMA awards, a solo female artist has not been nominated for entertainer since Faith Hill in 2000. They made a pretty big deal last year when Carrie was the first female nominated for the ACM for entertainer in years, they are doing the same for Taylor. No false claims were made at all.
Jean says:
All I can say is Taylor is NOT COUNTRY, SHE IS CROSSOVER. That is the reason she has sold so many tickets and CDs because it is not just country fans that listen to it. CMA is suppose to be for COUNTRY MUSIC and should not be for CROSSOVER. Toby and Kenny I know have not crossed over and I am assuming George has not either, the rest have and to me OBVIOUSLY they are going to sell more. Toby gets left out because he is HIS OWN MAN. He knows what the fans want and gives it to them. The SUITS don’t like him for that reason. He isn’t a coward and afraid to do what he wants to do. You Rock Toby and will always be my EOTY.
KEEP TAKING THAT AMERICAN RIDE, BABY.
diane says:
I agree with Gabriela..Taylor should be a songwriter..the girl cant sing..And she does scream when she sings..At least Carrie sings with vibrato in her high range…Very controlled. I am not going to bash Taylor against Carrie..I personally would like to know what exactly constitutes EOTY…BTW..Taylors songs generally grow on me over time..Carrie’s, Reba’s, and LeAnns I immediately like for the extreme talent they show when they open their mouths to sing their songs…
Dustin says:
The major surprise for me was Taylor Swift being nominated for EOTY! I am so sorry - hate to bash - but Swift does not deserve this award! 1st ALL of her live performances she is out of tune, television appearances = minimal, cd sales = amazing (although keep in mind 10 million was a worldwide figure for all of her albums including re-released material - it is not just in the US [people forget that!!!!]), tour???? I mean I know she toured with Kieth and a little on her own, but come on - she has not seen as many fans this past year as some other artists!! I believe Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland would have been better than Taylor Swift!
Taylor has many fans - mostly young girls and when she gets older we will see how large her fanbase really is. I mean country music is bound to finally look at her talent one of these days and notice the gal cannot sing without any digital fixes! I believe is a great girl - beautiful, kind, peaceful, talented songwriter only, etc… but just not a singer. When her live performances start improving to the point where she always sing in tune during live performances I will admit she deserves praise but until then…you know where I stand!
I am a huge follower of this genre - have been for years - and if she wins I will not hold high regard for these CMA awards - it would be making a joke of them!
The truth hurts for Carrie fans says:
Taylor is VERY DESERVING of the Entertainer of the Year award.
She’s got the hottest tour, top sales, great songwriting ability and is bringing new fans into the pop/country realm that dominates the radio now.
The only argument against Taylor is that she’s not the best pure vocalist in country music. But if someone who doesn’t write songs or rarely writes songs can win, then Taylor’s certainly deserving.
Taylor thankfully doesn’t try to oversing every song; she writes songs that fit her voice.
When Taylor sings, you drink in the words, savor their meaning and feel the emotion behind them.
I’ll take Taylor’s songwriting ability over overdone vocal gymnastics any day.
Lanibug says:
I hate to tell you this Chet, but you are incorrect, this is not Ashley’s first ACM nomination, it is her second - she was nominated in 2007 for her song “I Don’t Want To w/ Ronnie Dunn” - but then again I am just happy to see her get nominated again, especially for that amazing song….
Ali says:
How is it that Jason Aldean is not even nominated when he has had 2 number 1 songs this year?
Carriewho? says:
Isn’t she sad
Robin says:
Hitting the correct note instead of going flat or sharp on every note is not vocal gymnastics. It’s called “singing a song” not “speaking” it flat.
Taylor deserves her nom. Carrie should have been nominated over Strait not Swift. George Strait, while awesome, has not done that many shows a year for several years. With that said, Kenny or Brad will win, but I hope Brad does win. Kenny wins EOTY, never Male Vocali,st. They acknowledge both his entertainment ability and his lack of vocal ability. Same will likely happen to Taylor. She may eventually win EOTY (I doubt it will be this year, but nothing is impossible), but I really doubt she ever wins FVOTY. Same reason, she can entertain (kids at this stage, I’m hoping she can translate to an adult entertainer). But, they will likely never make fools of themselves by naming her FVOTY in either the ACM’s or the CMA’s.
CJ says:
Chet I commend you for writing about all the nominies and not just one. There are a lot of good Country singers being left behind.
okielady says:
You’ve got to be kidding!!! Carrie over George,
Give me a break. Carrie is a good artist but she’s not in the same ballpark as George. George deserves it over anybody. He’s paid his dues and he’s still a chart topper and sellsout shows. He’s had staying power something i doubt most of the young ones performing now will have.
troy says:
Jason Aldean is not even nominated! WTF. This is exactly the reason I gave up on country radio. Taylor is good but not country. For the most part it is the same people year after year and “Real” country is rarely a part of it. Jason is one of the few that are breathing life into country on a commercial basis. I am sick of Kenny Chesney and his lame island music as well. He quit being country years ago. George is still the king and deserves to be there year after year
Taylorwho? says:
The truth hurts, it’s not just Carrie fans that feel that way, you swiftnatics just seem so intimidated by Carrie that everyone that says Taylor can’t sing must be a Carrie fan. WRONG. People who say Taylor can’t sing just happen to know what staying on key means, they know what vibrato means, they know what support means, they know what tone means, they know what control means, and they know what the diaphragm is for. Taylor knows none of this, and it just so happens that Carrie DOES. Carrie is a far superior vocalist to Taylor, and swiftnatics can’t stand it.
Hannah says:
No they know what they like their opinion on music is different to yours
Taylorwho? says:
Hannah, staying on key is not an opinion. You really don’t know anything about music do you?
Hannah says:
I know that the point of music if for people to enjoy themselves and express themselves. And for the listeners to find music they connect too.
Hannah says:
Not go around acting like a big headed know it all who thinks others opinions are incorrect and who can’t have fun. Or let others have fun
Taylorwho? says:
How in the world is my saying she can’t stay on key acting like a big headed know it all. It’s really an easy concept to understand, and anyone who knows anything about music can hear it. So you like her music, fine. I don’t. I like to listen to songs by someone who can sing on key. Have all the fun you want little girl, but that doesn’t change the fact that she can’t sing on key, nor does it make it an “opinion”. Staying on key is NOT an opinion, and when you learn a little music theory you will understand. Maybe when you get to high school you can join the band.
barb b says:
taylorwho you hit the nail
right on the head thank you
Vanyogan says:
I just do not understand all the critics of TS. I’m an old geezer, and I certainly prefer mature songs. One of my favorites is “Back of your Hand”, Dwight Yoakam.
I started to follow TS career, and I bought her CD’s, but I wanted to know why she was becoming so successful. She works hard, she has talent, and she is extremely intelligent. She soaks up everything around her.
For those of you who say she should be a song writer, not a singer. If she was not singing her songs, you would never have heard them because nobody would have recorded them.
They are teenage diary songs, but they are real. Real is a good quality for country music. And Taylor and her record label were smart enough to know that her songs would find a market. They found a brand new market, and everybody in country music is benefiting from that.
I think Fifteen is her best song and I think it’s the song that got her to the next level with her fans. Taylor went to England to promote Love Story, her CD, and to do a couple of small venue shows. Sold out of course.
Well there in the UK, she played a live music show called Jools Holland. She played Love Story, which was playing radio there, and she played Fifteen, which may have been the first time she ever played it live on such a visible stage. The studio audience liked Fifteen better, you can hear it. This is an adult audience. But Fifteen is a real song about real feelings. “Abagail gave everything she had, for a boy who changed his mind, and we both cried.” If you are a teen age girl, that is about as real as it can get.
ETOY. I don’t know how you judge this. If it’s about ticket sales and revenue, then KC wins every time. But Taylor is doing some creative and innovative things in her show. Like the stage she designed herself which you can project on to.
Most of her tour dates sell out immediately after they are released. But she also opened several dates for Urban. She may have opened for a few others, I don’t remember. Well all I can tell you is her dates sold out faster than the opening dates. That is called class. Swift obviously did not have to open for anybody with her own tour selling out. That is called class, with a capital C.
Country music is not a singing contest. It is way bigger than that.
Respectfully,
Vann
Nicole says:
I cant believe Jason Aldean didnt make the list for anything this year. His songs have been number and he has been on top of the charts. These shows are a joke anymore. I think they should be fan based because its the same every year. What really do they go off of to figure out who is nominated?
Jason Aldean Fan! says:
Ali I completely agree with you. Why isnt Jason Aldean nominated he has had two number one hits back to back and his is on the chrats like crazy. Some of the people I personally think should of not been nominated. And some dont even have a number one hit
Maureen McCole says:
George Strait should win Male Vocalist –he’s the only nominee who can truly sing.
Entertainer will probably go to Brad this year.
Female Vocalist - Reba. She’s a powerhouse.
Video - Troubadour. It was so simple but so elegant.
Maureen McCole says:
Taylor Swift stinks
Jason says:
Please…..Reba’s the pro here. She can turn any song into a meaningful masterpiece. Seriously, just think about….if she sang the alphabet…the next time you saw the letter Z you’d probably cry….That womans’ voice is packed with true emotion. Carrie and Taylor are new and like velveeta..they’re good but not real. Reba is the real deal!
Jason says:
Reba still sounds fabulous at 54 years old!! Let’s give the lady some credit. Talk about taking care of your voice. I highly doubt that Carrie is all stoked about have a 30+year career. I thinks she’s in it for the money just like Shania Twain. Once she has amassed enough, then it will be goodbye. Now Taylor, on the other hand, I got to give it her. I do like her personality, it’s very similar to Reba’s personality. However, her voice is very fad like. It won’t stay in style. It’s not strong enough or convincing. It’s just there and very typical of today’s sound. Yet, I do see her staying consistent and attempting to broaden her vocal sound and she needs to train her voice more and build some vibrato. With that said, Taylor is alright and Reba is the best!
Del says:
CMA has sunk to a new low. How anyone with no voice can win the entertainer of the year, or any award?. This is not country Music it’s rock only being presented as country. Lets go back to real country. Only about 10% of the artists these days sing country.
Brad says:
“country music takes a page out of someone’s life and puts it to music” - Conway Twitty
That is what people seem to like about Taylor’s music, for most of us we have had our hearts broken before and she is telling that story from her perspective; a very young woman’s prospective. You can’t expect a child to write a song about love/pain like a Haggard, Cash, Cline, etc would write…she hasn’t lived it. Would you rather her be singing songs she knows nothing about like some artists (yes I am talking to you underwear, I mean underwood).
Plus, Taylor is being herself, and not trying to have this persona like Carrie; just look at the song Carrie sung on the CMA and tell me that whole get-up and set wasn’t straight from a Madonna or Britney show.
Most of your current country stars don’t sound country either; if you want “original/real” country sound, more people would be listening to Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakam, Buck Owens, Tanya Tucker, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell etc. Reminds me about another great quote from another great country singer.
“Country music isn’t a guitar, it isn’t a banjo, it isn’t a melody, it isn’t a lyric, it is a feeling” - Waylon Jennings
Let me add real feelings; you can question her voice all you want, you can’t question her feelings. I say this as someone who himself doesn’t really like her music either, but I like the fact that she writes and plays her own music, because that makes it more real to me.