Was Taylor Swift Surprised to Receive Nominations for CMA Awards?
Having written more stories than I can recall about nominations being announced for various awards shows, I've probably become a bit jaded about the entire process. After all, most of the same suspects get nominated every time. However, I have to admit that there's something refreshing about the MySpace video Taylor Swift posted today. It's nothing more than her watching TV at home this morning to hear the nominees for this year's CMA Awards being announced on ABC's Good Morning America and on CMT. You get to see her unrestrained excitement as she learns of her four nominations, including her first in the entertainer of the year category, and her pleasure in sharing the moment with members of her family. Of course, after selling 10 million albums and having one of the year's hottest concert tours, is she really all that surprised to receive the CMA nominations? When I stared watching the video, my cynicism automatically kicked in. By the time the clip ended, though, I came to the conclusion that Swift still isn't taking anything for granted when it comes to her career. I sure hope that's the case. God knows, jaded attitudes tend to be the norm in the music business.
Watching the CMA Announcements!
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
AC says:
That was one of the sweetest videos I’ve seen in a long time!
Tenn says:
I hope she didn’t whack her head on the ceiling when she jumped up and down from the news - there are American soldiers her age dying in the middle east and she jumps up and down about award nominations
Jonathan says:
Tenn, what are you talking about? There are American soldiers dying, so she can’t be excited about being the first female nominated for EOTY at the ACM awards since Faith Hill in 2000? I hope you don’t get too excited about anything…I mean, there are soldiers dying!
Jonathan says:
I suppose you feel the same way about Carrie Underwood, then? Taylor rereleased her album, but Carrie did the same thing with her album.
Hannah says:
Jonathan there will always be idiots who go on people they don’t like blogs and insult them.
Just be glad you’re one of the intelligent
Robin says:
That’s just silly Tenn. This is her career and her life. And, she is 19. While she may not be a kid, she certainly isn’t an adult. Let her be excited and share it. I don’t think those soldiers want us walking around all glum. They are fighting and dying for us “to” have a life, not to hide from it.
I’m not a fan of Swift musically but come the heck on and let the girl have her moment. While many have worked hard, so has she and deserves to be happy and excited for her achievements.
Amber says:
You know what why can’t everyone be happy for every nominee…they ALL work really hard to get to where they are today so let them enjoy it..ALL OF THEM including Taylor
lady gah gah says:
Wow - ugh that Taylor got nominated over Miley - I thought Mileys song Climb was much better and she can sing too and her concerts are much better
trink says:
Let me tell all you haters out there on thing. WE DON’T CARE WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT HER SHE’S THE BEST AND THIS VIDEO SHOWS WHY WE LOVE HER. GIRL POWER!!!!!!!!!
Hey! says:
She doesnt deserved to be nominated!!!! There is other artists more more more deserving than her!!!
lady gah gah says:
Miley is still better but I know they are friends so I guess Miley’s glad Taylor was nominated but Miley is better
Janice says:
Taylor needs to grow up a lot. What an idiot!
Tenn says:
Carrie rereleased Carnival Ride one time with some Christmas songs not over and over with a few songs added to increase sales and Some Hearts was never rereleased
Taylor Rocks 13 says:
CONGRATS TAYLOR YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin says:
She wasnt surprised… she is just an actor. She has found a gimmic that works and uses it every chance she gets. She knew she would get alot of nominations, or she wouldnt have bothered to video it… and since she was making a video, she had to make it exciting. Hopefully she is mature enough and smart enough to realize that she does not deserve all these nominations. Especially EOTY and Female Vocalist of the Year.
bkb says:
another stupid video of swift acting surprised. was other artists videoed after being anounced? it’s always about swift who can only sing in one key. and what about being up for the entertainer of the year. there are singers who have been working hard for years and never nominated. this is a joke.
jen says:
Congrats to Taylor and all the other nominees.
star says:
way to go taylor, you deserve all of those nom.!!! you are the best love the video you are so happy!!
SWIFTLYHERE says:
I think there was a song called “CRY ME A RIVER”. It’s very fitting for these donkeys in here complaining about a 19 year old that just won 4 CMA nods.She has every right to be excited. Grow up people!!!!!
Kate says:
I think Taylor deserved her EOTY nomination but I will never understand her getting a nomination for FVOTY…god the other ladies (who can all sing) must feel insulted…however as Brad said last year “no one’s a loser…..YET!
solongsowrong says:
Welcome to Pop Country folks. Those who complain the most, probably understand it the least. If you understood Pop culture, you’d know why she gets these nominations.
Hope she wins them all. It’s fun to watch Mainstreamers complain about their favorite form of music.
rascalfan says:
Why would she post a video like that? It was like that video of shania’s showing her travelling all around the world. There was no point to it. You dont see brad jumping up and down just because he got nominated for EOTY.
Kirsten says:
You know, Taylor did not record this to go on the nightly news. She recorded it for her fans because she cares about them. She doesn’t hide anything about her career or try to act “above” it all. This is her…capturing a very exciting moment in her life and sharing it with her fans. It was a dream of hers to get a CMA award, and with these nominations, she is well on her way. Congrats to her. She deserved every single one of those nominations. I hope she wins them all.
Hey! says:
Taylor is full of herself! That is why she record it!
Kirsten says:
P.S. Why is she acting like a 19-year-old girl you ask? Because she is one. Get over it.
Jonathan says:
I love the comment section on Taylor blogs!
star says:
no that would be someone else no name (cu) that’s full of herself!! taylor is so down to earth, met her backstage and she is so sweet and smart and down to earth!!!! taylor’s awsome!!
g says:
look the reason why taylor swift was nominated was bcause she was the best selling artist of 2008 in any genre. she sold out most of the dates of her first headlining tour. the cma people look at this stuff. why miley cyrus wasn’t nominated? well it is because she did not have a country album out. the only nominations that she could have received are song and single of the year for the climb. also she might have been able to receive the music video nomination. yes the climb was a good song,but it did not perform as well as taylor swift did on charts. the song’s peak on billboard hot country songs was 25. on swift’s video she is 19 years old give the girl a break. i bet if you were in her shoes you would do the same. i can tell you this most 18-20 year olds in this world have not grown up yet. heck even some people who are 30 years old haven’t either. why wasn’t brad paisley making a video about his reaction and posting it? well it is because he is a grown man, and this is not the first time he has been nominated for EOTY. I can’t tell you if she is acting or not because well her reaction seemed genuine. if she was acting then man she must have taking some acting classes from when she was on csi because i do not think that she was good on that episode. i don’t know if taylor deserved these nominations because i mean i like her and her music, but i know that there are better singers than her. but thats what the cma’s do. they choose people who have high popularity and/or who perform on the charts. toby keith has been snubbed year after year. Also that is just how life is.
snl says:
taylor was not acting if she was she should get a award, I know she was very very surprised!!!!!! and happy!!!! go taylor you rock!!!
ASW says:
Taylor has every right to be excited!!!
i love you and your the best!! :)
Taylorwho? says:
I’m sure she was excited and rightfully so. She won’t win, so the question is, will she cry as hard as she yelled?
me says:
I think she will win…unfortunately.
Banana says:
all you guys you just make fun of her layoff!!!!!!!! im sure if were 19 and nominated for 4 awards because of music that you wrote and created yourself you would be excited too!!!!!
and I hope she wins cause she really deserves it the music business is hard work and she earned it!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU TAYLOR!!!!!!!!!!
Taylorwho? says:
Everyone that is nominated against her is far more deserving. They have worked for years and actually have talent. She won’t win, and I will be here on November 12 to see the excuses. Looking forward to it actually.
Redmaz says:
To solongsowrong, cmt published your email address on these blogs last night, along with “countryiscool” and “ilikewhatilike”. I have them. There were other ones too, but this was all I wrote down. Just wanted to let you know.
ma
countryiscool says:
I wonder why that is? I’ve been mellow. How do I contact CMT?
countryiscool says:
Isn’t that a violation of their own Privacy laws?
countryiscool says:
Thanks Red!
Taylorwho? says:
Use a fake email address and that won’t happen
Jim says:
I use a fake name an email address for this reason.
Martha says:
and just like that, I’m someone else.
Mickey says:
And even a third person.
diane says:
Taylor is not one of my favs…..and entertainer of the year is a stretch..But the video is sweet…and real…Good Luck Taylor…and Carrie too!!
diane says:
BTW..Miley Cyrus is no way country..The Climb is the only song even remotely country…
solongsowrong says:
Thanks for the info Red. They’re probably still mad because I won’t let their TV station into my house.
Nothing is full proof, but the Addy I use here is only used for such things, and even the computer I’m on right now, is only used for listening to music, playing games, and getting on sites like this. Nothing important on this e-mail address, or this computer.
Since you can’t trust anyone…. even when they state inches away that they will not publish your e-mail address….you play the same games they do. The only difference is, I’m not doing anything unscrupulous.
Deb says:
I fully agree with Kevin, she’s an actress Taylor is a product of Hollywood want to be management. This little girl can’t sing. The suits know how to work her image!! It’s sad when the suits just set back a count the money this little girl brings in. And shes the one looking like a fool.
goldie says:
cma’s thought she was great and had a great year in every way so that is why taylor got the nom.!!! besides having the best selling cd next to mj ,selling out concerts in minutes 20 million downloads the most in coutry music history!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! taylor you go girl!!!!
Noah says:
This video is for her fans. So it’s simple guys. You know what the title was when you clicked on the link to watch. If you don’t like Taylor, don’t click and don’t watch but also don’t bash if you do!!!
Just like the song she co-wrote with Kellie Pickler there is a line in there that says, ‘Isn’t jealousy a funny thing?”
CountryManiac says:
OMG!!! taylor is horrible.and dont be too happy, you might not win
drdjwu says:
I’ve never even remotely been a fan of Disney/Nick TV pop stars, boy bands, or teen princesses. Don’t hate ‘em, just ignore ‘em. Always have.
Don’t know how it happened, but I am a huge Taylor Swift fan. I think she has a real shot at the musical elite.
She’s not even remotely like any other artist I would put into that category (most of whom are Americana types).But when it comes to the essential reason I like any specific musician of any genre …well, Taylor passes my litmus test with flying colors:
1.She is totally committed to her love of the music and her songwriting craft;
2.She absolutely connects with her audience in a way that is genuine and real (being young is not being fake — quite the opposite!)
3.Her lyrics have believability, integrity and honesty;
4.And the no.1 reason — Her music has enormous passion and emotion!
What’s DIFFERENT is that, for once, it’s passion and emotion from a Teen FEMALE, instead of a Teen Presley or a Teen Springsteen or a teen King of Leon (or even a Teen female trying to act like a boy).
Not everyone agrees. Some posters, like Robin and Kate above, clearly are not fans of Taylor’s singing, etc., but they voice their opinion with intelligence, fairness and class. Then you have people like Tenn.
But no Haters senselessly spouting rude comments, distorting facts or fabricating lies are ever going to change Taylor’s fans. Know why? Because her fans KNOW HER and TRUST HER!
Lots of people love Carrie,too. She sings like an angel. But does anyone really feel connected to Carrie when she does “Jesus Take the Wheel” or “Just a Dream”? Are those HER experiences?
Taylor is like a diary on stage, and most of her audience has read that story, too! When they see the video above , they know it’s 100% genuine, because they would do the same exact thing.
Derrik says:
Ok…first of all the reason that no other artst posted a video like this is because one, they aren’t 19, and 2 because they all have been nominated before for ETOY. And her reaction would be like any 19 years old recieving 4 CMA nom.! Put yourself in her shoes if you were 19 and got all of those nominations, you would react like that too. Taylor Swift’s music is not pop, it is Contemporary Country like all of country music tat is made these days its not traditional country but it is today’s country and all you keep it country crowd need to find someone else to pick on because if you are picking on Taylor Swift for not being country you should be picking on all artists and not just focus in one one particular artist. And not to mention how childish you all sound. If you don’t like it thats tough, get over it. And i don’t know why all country music fans can’t just get along why does there have to be this animosity when it comes to Taylor Swift blogs. All artists work hard and all artists deserve the nominations they recieved this year so why can’t we be happy for all of them, i know i am. Lastly i just think that people that don’t have anything nice to say just shouldn’t say it all, just because i don’t like a particular artist doesen’t mean i go and post hate comments on their blogs because i know i am a lot better than that. WTG Taylor you deserve it!!!!
Taylorwho? says:
She set up a video in her living room to record her reaction? Man is she full of herself.
Kate says:
taylor is an adult pretending to be a child and for her many young fans it works.
karen says:
I don’t care what you say Taylor is too cute! Many who are so critical of her are jealous of the outstanding success she has made on her own with the SUPPORT of her family. I have seen many throw out comments so harsh and cruel and I can’t understand why. If you don’t like the style of music or they way she sings, why take the time to write a comment with nothing good to say. She is a REAL teenager and many can’t remember what pure excitement is at that age. I would not have the guts to stand up and sing in front of 10 people let alone thousands, so before you become so critical of her, ask yourself if you would be capable of the same! Taylor Swift is incredible with natural talent!!
Donna says:
I haven’t seen the video but think its great she is connecting & interacting with her fans. Everyone knew she would get nominated for several awards but I think it was a NICE surprise for her to get nominated for EOTY. Well deserved.
UGH! says:
Well deserved but annoying. Way overplayed. Its like they dont know how to pick another song to play. They went to the bathroom and put on auto replay.
So sick of high school love triangle music!
fearlessislove says:
ok so i normally don’t post on these blogs because haters just usually jump on your tail if you love taylor. . but i really wanted to point out some things.
Taylor has done nothing but givin to her fans. Look back into early 2007 when she was touring with George STrait. . she would sign until they closed the place down. . and sometimes she would sign after they did. She is a girl who knows that her fans are who makes her.That is why she gives us more and more of hers songs as fast as she can. & That’s why she rereleases her cd’s with new songs. She’s all heard about how everyone LOVES “Sparks Fly” & so she’s putting it out as fast as she can.. & i heard it’s going to be a single. She loves to give us what we want. In fact that is how she’s picked each single. . from what the fans have wanted. . and the download rate on itunes. But as fans, She doesn’t leave us out and she treats us like friends. That explains the many of girl’s who have met her. . who keep going to her concerts. She’s a real sweetheart and from her shows this year. . . she’s an fantastic entertainer.
I dont see how ANYONE can say she doesn’t deserve the EOTY nomination. she has SOLD OUT all of her shows. . she gives her all in each performance. I’ve even heard of MSG in one freakin MINUTE. . . when she was really sick she STILL went on and you couldn’t even tell she was sick. Gloriana told me that. She deserves to win EOTY. She’s worked VERY HARD on this tour and her show is amazing. She deserves it no doubt. I started Taylor’s first EVER fansite back in 06 and I can’t be more proud of her right now. She’s an amazing person as well as artist. . and although it’s hard to see her nowadays i’m glad she has got the success she has. :-)
So everyone has their own opinions but you haters think to yourself as sweet as taylor is to everyone do you honestly think you could stand in front of her and put her down? If you could then you have no heart whatsoever. Let her live her dream without being put down. . it’s whats meant to be. Whatever we say can’t change whats going to happen. SO be mad, be happy. But I much rather be happy for a person then have a cruel heart and be mad. I’ll probably get bashed at by the haters for this but I just want yall to honestly think of what you say here. It’s not right to put people down when you honestly don’t know the person personally. Anyways I hope everyone has a good day. Don’t Forget to be FEARLESS<3 ;)
K says:
I’m sorry, but Taylor does not deserve to win this award. There are so many other talented females and artists who have toured longer than she has, sold more albums and put on better concerts.
Who wants to remember the Entertainer of The Year being a teenager who constantly sings (off-key) about puppy-love and fairytales? She is a genius marketing machine who does nothing innovative.
In my opinion, Taylor’s heart is not in country music; that’s what’s so wrong with this nomination. She has nothing wrong with pop remixes, yet she slaps country fans in the face by saying the original recording isn’t “good enough” to be played on other stations? Same story goes for the remixing of Fearless. She constantly re-releases her albums to make yet-another dollar off her fans.
I realize she is talented and coming up with performance setups and such, but she does not do anything original onstage; the appeal of rainshowers and Romeo’s can only last so long.
I know she wants to appear like a normal teenager to her fans, but the fact that she tapes herself doing these things speaks otherwise. Why does she feel the need to blog and videotape everything she does? I think the video of her being nominated for Entertainer was ridculous; she wouldn’t have done it if she didn’t expect something in return. You don’t see Carrie, Brad or Lady A taping their reactions. If Taylor wants to appear “normal” she should do so by not documenting her life for the world- that’s opposite of what “normal” teenagers do.
Taylor is Disney entertainer with kiddish songwriting-skills who has the fortune of being wrapped in a package with “good looks” splashed accross it- that’s it.
Garret says:
WOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!!!!! GO TAYLOR ALISON SWIFT !
Dennis says:
To anyone watching the video of Taylor receiving the nominations,that is truly the wonderfully excited reaction of a young woman who aprreciates everything that has come her way. Hey, I am not a big listener of her music, but her sweet persoanlity and wonderful character comes right through to her fans.
Redmaz says:
To “Derrik”, you seem to be confused as to what “POP” music is. Pop is not an individual genre of music. POP is an industry consisting of MANY GENRES of music including COUNTRY. As far as today’s country music being contemporary, I would say that includes today’s ROOTS COUNTRY too wouldn’t you?
Melissa says:
I totally agree with Robin’s first comment at the top! Taylor is a great performer, and her tour is MASSIVE! She deserves this nomination as entertainer of the year!
And Tuesday, Taylor is not a mean and hateful person. That just shows how much you really know about her.
Good pick 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.
drdjwu says:
Redmaz, I respect your musical knowledge and I love the way you chide haters, but you always confuse me with your statements about Pop not being an “individual genre of music”.
Admittedly, the broad category “Popular music” contains MANY genres — in fact, almost anything that is not CLASSICAL/ART Music(”longhair”, serious, avant-garde) or FOLK/TRADIONAL Music is “Popular Music”. That’s broad!
But the term “Pop Music” is most definitely ALSO a separate genre itself WITHIN the “Popular music” category (along with Country Music, Jazz, Blues, Rock, etc.,). And there are many subdivisions within each genre. Thus we have, within the Country genre, such sub-genres as Western, Traditional, Honky Tonk, Rockabilly, Progressive, Country Rock and, yes, Country Pop (the latter being equally at home under the “POP MUSIC” genre). If Pop Music is not a genre, where would you put Frank Sinatra? Country? Rock?
And ultimately, does any of this really have any bearing on what an artist does? Do artists want to be classified and put into a box? I’ve read comments by George Strait where he bemoaned being labeled a Traditionalist, didn’t want that tag. And Garth Brooks had the oft-quoted response about what kind of music he played: “I play Garth-music.” Bob Dylan started out imitating Woody Guthrie and wound up getting booed by folkies at Newport because he had the audacity to leave them behind on his journey to reinvent modern popular music.
Taylor? Who knows what path she will take? She BEGAN with her major influences being country and pop country. But she’s young, she listens to everything. Other influences — pop,rock, emo, alternative — will come along and stick in her head when she writes. Whatever. The net result, if she’s true to herself, will not TRY to be this genre or that genre. It will be Taylor-music.
Redmaz says:
From your post you know more about music than 90% of the people here. However I’m not talking about popular music, there is music that is popular in Americana/Roots music too. That doesn’t make it Pop Music. Which you seemed to overlooked completely. If you want to generalize music that’s you’re choice, but I will challenge it at any given time. My reply was to “Derrik” who said Swift’s music is not Pop. That is incorrect. Not only is it Pop music, it is very popular too. Pop Music consists of more than just Country and Rock. It’s any music with general appeal to the masses that is overproduced and overplayed for profit. In musical terms it is essentially conservative in that it attempts to resonate with a large segment of it’s target demographics rather than pushing artistic boundries.
Madonna says:
Its great to see how fresh Taylor is to the music industry. She deserves the nomination.s She’s done a lot for the country music scene for the last few years. You go girl!
Mickey says:
Carrie Underwood got a lot of awards handed to her on a silver platter too. If Carrie can win all the undeserved awards she has won, why not Taylor?
brenda says:
Why not give it to people that actually can sing and work hard for what they get! People like martina, reba, george, toby, and alan and many many more!!!
Taylorwho? says:
brenda, she won’t win. Her nomination was a bone thrown to her from the association to thank her for the money she made them this past year. In a field of 5, she is fifth, according to Nashville insiders.
Tracy says:
Congratulations Taylor Swift.
Taylorwho? says:
For what Tracy? She didn’t win and won’t
Tenn says:
Check out Taylors commercial for the MTV Video Awards if you want to see something really funny , it’s on Youtube under Taylor Swift VMA’S- and by the way she’s totally in another genre that’s where her success comes from not country- her label markets her as POP overseas and she does all her POP remixes in concert -
drdjwu says:
Redmaz, thanks for responding, and as I thought, you sure know your stuff. I agree with 99% of your comment, although I think you may be the one generalizing a bit (harshly) in your comments about pop.
The Beatles were the most popular “pop rock” band ever, yet they constantly “pushed artistic boundaries” all over the place. As did the Talking Heads, the Doors, the Velvet Underground, the Pixies and others (some of who were far from being “overproduced”, and some who didn’t seem to care about mass appeal at all!)
As for Americana, my earlier post to this blog (9/10/09, 12:39am comment above) already stated my musical heroes are mostly Americana. (Taylor is the obvious exception. I keep hoping she’ll go hang out with Band of Heathens and write some songs, but she’s probably going to push for a Jack White collaboration … which also could be kind of interesting.) I’ve even cited examples of Americana artists on these Taylor blogs — Levon Helms, Buddy and Julie Miller, Bob Dylan, John Cash, John Hiatt, Drive By Truckers, Lucinda Williams — to explain why beautiful singing is WAY less important to me than passion, integrity,and songwriting that rings true to the listener. Unfortunately, those examples were met with a collective HUH? So I pretty much gave up.
Anyway, Derrik,regardless of terminology, made a lot more rational points. If Taylor is “pop”, why so are the vast majority of her co-nominees! So what?
Taylorwho? says:
Tenn, it was funny. Did she sound that bad on purpose? Everyone at my house was laughing.
Tenn says:
Taylor Who - I doubt she tried to sound so bad although it goes along with the commercial- like always her voice is fixed in the studio but those POP, RAP singers do that all the time like Britney and such - their fans don’t seem to care but for me I like honesty - the fact that Taylor has her vocals so extremely fixed on her cds is what bothers me - why not be honest to the fact you can’t sing? she’s so manufactured it’s silly but that’s what makes the TAYLOR SWIFT VMA commercial even funnier -
Emills says:
You’re entitled to your opinions but that doesn’t mean there right and if you do say there right that’s kinda big headed
Carriewho? says:
She got nominations get over it. If you have a life you would get on with it and be happy for anyone who got a nomination. Not spend days arguing!
Amber S says:
You know I teared up - I don’t know why….lol I was just so happy for her and to see her reaction! It’s amazing to see someone so happy about the nominations, I wish her the best of luck and hope she wins them all!
Good luck Taylor!
Johnny says:
It’s so amusing how so many people (Carrie fans I’d be willing to bet) spend so much time on here whining and insulting Taylor over her nominations. I don’t know about you, but I can’t spend my whole life getting so worried about stuff like this. I’m going to move on with my life, and enjoy the awards show, and then enjoy reading all the whining and crying to come the days after.
CJ says:
Taylor takes a good picture. She can not sing! Why put her on a lot of people were nominated. Where are there pictures.
derrick says:
taylors songs speak to my heart
S says:
Is the EOTY award fan voted? If so, I have a feeling that Taylor could win. Not because she deserves it but because she has a lot of rabid fans who have nothing better to do with their time but vote over and over for her.
I wonder if we would have seen this video if she hadn’t been nominated for anything?
Hey! says:
The reason she video herself is because she knew her daddyswift took care of it for her and another reason is so is so full of herself!!!!
Hannah says:
She got nominations get over it. If you have a life you would get on with it and be happy for anyone who got a nomination. Not spend days arguing!
Read and learn
brenda says:
Learn from a child that cheats to get ahead, I dont think so!!!!
Hannah says:
i meant learn to live for the present and the future.Not the Past. If you disagree with her getting nominated tell the CMA producers but if you really have a life you would just ignore her.
drdjwu says:
“Cynical” defined: A sneering disbelief in sincerity … contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives … a belief human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest.
I imagine most Taylor swift fans to be to be people much like herself, brimming with a spirit of fun and a positive world view that dreams can come true. Such a fan fans looks at this home video, and thinks, “WOW! IF I EVER WON 4 MAJOR AWARDS LIKE THAT, I’D BE JUMPING AROUND AND SCREAMING JUST LIKE THAT TOO!
The Cynic looks at it and sees dark plots, hidden motives and covert manipulation (see “Hey! comment above, or “K’s 9/10 post, or just about anything by “TENN”). No facts to contradict the apparent truth is required, just a suspicious mind and a feeling that everyone is as warped as you.
But go to Taylor’s website and you will see her life unfold in blog after blog, tweet after tweet, song after song, and yes, video after video. It’s all diary stuff, some set to music, some shot on video. It’s Taylor saying, “This is me and we are all the same.” Fans absolutely believe. They’re not cynics. God Bless them.
K says:
drdjwu,
First off, I respect your opinion, and can see that you are a huge Taylor fan. I know she sells millions of albums and concert tickets; what she has accomplished is pretty amazing for her age.
K says:
drdjwu,
First off, I respect your opinion, and can see that you are a huge Taylor fan. I know she sells millions of albums and concert tickets; what she has accomplished is pretty amazing for her age.
I realize that she is a talented writer, but being a teenager myself, I think there is much more to love, relationships, and life than puppy love, Romeo’s and breakups. Yes, I realize she has exceptions (”Fifteen” and “The Best Day.”) However, I think she has room to grow as an artist, person and performer before she grows out of that.
I can see that she handels her career in almost every aspect, and I respect that. However, I think that the orginallity of her performances can only keep her afloat for so long.
I realize my comment about wanting to make money off her fans seems a bit rude and uncalled for. The only reason I said that was because every artist and person in the entertainment business is out to make money. That is the number one goal of every artist, whether you want to belive it or not. If you cannot make money off albums or ticket sales you cannot survive or live comfortably.
Why do most Americans have jobs? No one would believe me if I said it was only because that’s what they “love to do.”
Taylor seems to be a down-to earth real person, and she may feel that this is another way to “prove” it to her fans. In my opinion, Taylor has done more than enough to show that to all who love her; she doesn’t need to broadcast it over and over. I think there are other ways for her to prove she is a great person other than video blogs and Myspace.
Although I will admit that I am hardly a fan of Taylor (although I do like “Our Song,” “Hey Stephen” “Breathe” and “White Horse”), that does not mean I cannot post an opinion about her. As snarky as some comments may seem, I think I have been respectful to Taylor and her fans 90% of the time.
drdjwu says:
K, I don’t agree with everything you said, but you said it well and not hatefully. Very intelligently written, and you are right, you’re not a hater — sorry, I put you in the wrong group.
I guess our basic disagreement is I see much more depth and versatility in Taylor than you do. I think she is a songwriting prodigy with the ability to tell stories and convey feelings through subtle everyday details, and then make her listeners remember the same feelings in their own lives. She also possesses an uncanny sense — for a teenage –of the entire music business and what she wants to do with her career. That’s why people who claim she’s some fabricated creation are laughable — she has excellent support people, but she’s one of the least manufactured stars in years.
Does she have to move beyond teen angst some time? Absolutely. But a girl who can write “Tied Together with a Smile” and “Breathe” and “15″ and “Cold as You” and “Crazier” is hardly a one-trick pony stuck on one topic. That’s a horse I’m willing to watch run with the wind.
Taylorwho? says:
It’s not just Carrie fans. It’s everyone who knows she can’t sing. My radio station was laughing about her this morning, and talking about how “poor little tater-tot just can’t hit the notes right”. And radio personalities are exposed to a lot of voices. They know a good one from a bad one.
Robin says:
It’s not “Carrie” fans, it’s just haters. You can not like the girls music and still be respectful. This blog is about her “deserving” her nomination, but about her excitement in being nominated. Only haters, not “Carrie” fans have something negative to say about that.
K says:
drdjwu,
THANK YOU for seeing I am not a hater, and that I really do respect Taylor, her fans, and what she has accomplished.
I think you hit the nail on the head with some of our basic disagreements as well.
To me, Taylor is absoutly a talented writer, and she has a rare gift with words that can convey human emotion in the most honest and raw form possible. Being a writer myself, I have uncanny respect for anyone who has that ability. Many people do not think conveying emotions and words is a unique gift, but it really is.
I think we split paths at Taylor’s voice. While I admit she is better at soft ballads (”White Horse,” “Fifteen,”) I am drawn more towards a rich, powerful, commanding voice than a soft, sweet one.
She does have a great sense of who she is and what she wants- which is extremely rare for even adults twice her age. But I also belive that the music business has a heavy influence on every artist, band and person around them- I have a hard time believing Taylor is an exception.
I think my opinion may change as she gets older- she will start to write some great songs, and be there growing with her audience every step of the way. But I think the fact that she is not there yet is why I’m not a big fan at this time.
As crazy and ludicrous as this may sound, I find myself liking Taylor more as I see “Taylor the artist” interspersed with “Taylor the person.” I don’t think either of these parts make her a stand-out indivdual or entertainer- but together they are an outstanding combonation.
drdjwu says:
Robin, the fact is that Taylor and Carrie are friends. They even went to see Britney Spears together — now THAT”s friendship, lol!! The first time i ever heard Carrie sing — halfway through the American Idols competition — I’m proud to say I instantly said, “There’s the winner!” and I’ve been a big fan ever since. She is the best singer this side of Celine Dion, she’s gorgeous and she obviously has a very big heart for others.
Much as I like Carrie, I’m an even bigger Taylor fan, but I can completely understand how someone would prefer the golden tones of Ms Underwood. Thing is, they are very different kinds of artists, plenty of room for both, and both of them are important.
I’m a guy, but I recognize that women have been not been given fair treatment by country music for so many years — GOD Bless Reba! — and both of these ladies are worthy of respect — and they are getting it (except from people like Taylorwho? who lies so much he can’t remember who is).
Carrie smashed the AMC glass ceiling for EOTY, now I’m rooting for Taylor to do likewise at the CMA’s. Taylor and Carrie fans need to recognize they are stronger when they stand together.
Hannah says:
Taylorwho?, when did K drdjwu or Robin mention carrie???
stop stirring up trouble
Taylorwho? says:
Hannah, you obviously only see what you want to see. They’ve both mentioned her several times. Get over your hateful self and be more polite like me.
Hannah says:
No why can’t you be polite like K
K says:
Taylorwho, please show me where I’ve mentioned Carrie Underwood “several times?”
drdjwu mentioned her when he said she is “gorgeous” and has “golden pipes.” Even then he was not comparing any other artist to her.
I may have implied that I like her (rich, powerful voices) but I did not mention her by name, and you have no way to prove that is who I was thinking of.
Please stop putting words in my mouth.
drdjwu says:
Yes, my point, if it wasn’t clear enough for “Taylorwho?”, is they are both significant artists, but different enough that they are not trying to outdo each other. Creatively, they are after quite different goals.
I know Taylor has said she is very competitive, but only with herself. That’s the same attitude I tried to teach my daughter when she played sports. The sad thing about some of these blogs is that the posters can’t be as civil as Carrie and Taylor are themselves — and the adults are often the worst offenders and the instigators, baiting Taylor’s younger fans with uncalled-for rudeness and condescending attitudes.
The nice thing about this blog, once you filter out a couple people just trying to be destructive, you’ve got some really nice folks making relevant statements intelligently and politely. Of course, I’ve always liked Taylor fan-atics like Hannah, but I would be delighted to have a drink with you, “K”, or “Robin”, discuss and debate lyrics and singing styles — you folks are alright!
Taylorwho? says:
My statements are the most intelligent, as I have the credentials to back them. Do you people even know what staying on key means?
Hannah says:
Do you know what big headed means :)
drdjwu says:
Do you know what nobody wants to talk to you means?
Taylorwho? says:
Denial is an ugly thing.
T J says:
The point made by the video above is simple - Taylor is acting like a teen - it is her innocence that makes every scream every jump and all the other excitement so real and believable!
EOTY is also believable! Taylor has the support and the numbers to back it up.
Lets not kid each other says:
Everyone knows that the nominees are chosen by how much $$$ is offered to those in charge.
kayko says:
Thats quite a cynical view. If that is “tru” then it puts a cloud over resent wins in the award shows. If you’re saying that to to slam Taylor don’t forget you’re also slaming quite a few other artists, and I wouldn’t think their fans would care to hear such dribble.
Lets not kid each other says:
No, don’t care about Taylor one bit..it’s across the board.
Lets not kid each other says:
It’s “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine”
Taylorwho? says:
kayko, lets not is correct to a point. It is all about money, but when money vs. money, and big label vs. big label, the talent will prevail. That is why some very talented artist have won while other awards have gone to less talented with money. I’d say that all the categories that Taylor is in, there’s money in each artists’ corner, so it’s a safe bet that Taylor will walk away empty handed this year. I can’t wait to hear the excuses, just like they did after the grammys. The grammys award for talent more than the ACM and CMA, and of course Tater didn’t win…she’s not talented.
K says:
Taylorwho, you seem to have a goal to rip Taylor, her fans, and her accomplishments apart. Whether you lke her or despise her with every bone in your body, it’s good to remember that she is a real person- she has feelings and insecurites, too. Taylor constantly reads blogs and message boards to update her fans- how do you think she would feel if she came across some of the nasty, spiteful comments have have posted about her?
I realize that this probably seems hypocritical of me to be saying, because I have criticized Taylor a lot in the past for various quirks. However, after talking to a lot of her fans who come to defend her against naysayers, I have realized that there are countless other talents that make Taylor special and unique to her fans other than the voice.
Every Taylor fan I have ever encountered always mentions her personality as a massive part of her appeal- she is young, writes about what young girls her age relate to, and she knows what got her where she is. She is not afraid to air every quirk, talent, or occasional bad day with her fans- this willingness makes her seem like a real, breathing, human being in a world of pesudo “real” celeberties.
They also mention how in sync she is with every step of her career, whether it be dreaming up performance ideas, crafting and recording songs, writing blogs or making movies, or even independently saying she will stay and sign autographs until every fan that wants one is gone.
She also does have some talent as a singer when she sings soft ballads that allow her limited range to come out on “White Horse,” “Tim McGraw” and “Fifteen.”
I think the issue that most people have with Taylor is that she is paid millions upon millions of dollars to be a singer- she should knock every performance out of the park if that’s the case. When she is only able to deliver a decent performance on specific songs, many are disgusted that her primary label is a singer.
Those who don’t like Taylor should remember something- her FANS are the ones making her millions- Scott Borcheta is the one who gave her the deal. Sure, he makes millions off of her, but only after her fans buy the concert tickets, Tshirts and CDS. If bashers are compelled to “blame” someone for Taylor success, lay it on Scott Borchetta- HE is the one who discovered her, marketed her, and introduced her to the public. It isn’t her “fault” if she is basking in the glow of millions while the adoring and buying public is eating her up.
K says:
Taylorwho:
Although you have a right to an opinion, to an outsider looking in there appears to be dozens of fabricated and condecending points to your posts on this blog.
Take the Taylor is a “gracious hoestess” comment as example: One would assume calling another gracious is a classification a decent individual with good morals and values would have, right? Because you posted this comment, it is assumed that you believe this is true of Miss Swift’s worth.
The hypocritical nature of your thoughts starts soon after, and soon reveals the true nature of how you feel about Taylor Swift. You throw comliments her way, then you continue to rip her voice and motives as an artist to shreds. You say she “doesn’t care” that she is horrible live? Maybe she does, maybe she doesn’t, but you will never know unless you are able to initiate that to her yourself.
You say you went and saw her in an acousitic show, but yet you don’t think she’s good at what she does? That hardly seems like someone who should have been there in the first place, eh?
You say Daddy’s got money? You don’t know if money bought her a deal, and that will always be the case. As a matter-of-fact, no one except for Taylor or her father would ever be able to varify that. Anyone can post anything they want on the internet, and they can be whomever they want in order to push an idea or agenda they believe to be true.
Even if money did have something to do with Taylor’s landing of a label deal though, that fact has little to do with the bigger picture of the situation. If monetary gains were involved in the deal, how does that explain the record-breaking numbers the fans broke for purchasing “Fearless?” How does money explain the fans who sold out her concerts in mere seconds? How does that explain the millions of little girls who love her and look up to her as a role model?
“The adoring public are gulible and easy to persaude?” Most of Taylor’s fans are teenage who relate to her individulism and knack for storytelling. If so many people are persauded by marketing, how do you explain the millions who continue to buy her albums, support her, and enjoy her when they have established whether they like or enjoy her music, even if most are exposed to her shortcomings?
Maybe this time you should reply to some of my specific points instead of repeating the same useless drevel.
kayko says:
K, thank you for your thoughtful and intellegent posts. The only thing I disagree with is that Taylor markets herself as just a singer, she is a singer/songwriter. There is a difference. There are many singer/songwriter’s that don’t have a pristine voice yet they have brought us some very memorable songs that they recorded with their own voice, that have gone on to become huge hits.
Taylorwho, I’ll just say I don’t believe for one minute anything you just said. We all know the many alias’s you have used. For months you have claimed to “know things” yet whenever anyone asks you to prove the things you say you can’t back it up. Talk is cheap.
drdjwu says:
“K”, I was referring to your previous comment’s first line, I hadn’t seen your new comment until now. You are one very erudite person. It kinda restores my faith in human nature to see people like yourself and Robin who aren’t really even Taylor fans but defend her truly vile character attacks.
By the way, the oft-stated story of Taylor’s signing is that she walked away from the biggest record company in Nashville — when they refused to let her record an album or perform her own songs — and instead signed with a company that DID NOT EXIST YET, HAD NO OTHER ARTISTS, AND HAD LITTLE CLOUT TO GET AIRPLAY. Some smart Daddy Mr. Swift must be to “Buy” Taylor a deal like that, huh?
Anyone with facts to disprove that,please come forward. Oh, yes, I’d also like to hear from the genius who wanted to “shelve” the hottest-selling artist in America. Unemployed maybe? Was it you Taylorwho?
Robin says:
Wow! I just saw this. My last post was (Robin - Posted: September 11th, 2009 at 8:37 pm). I’m really glad that I didn’t have to point out that looser wasn’t me for it to be realized (thanks drdjwu).
Even “if” I did dislike someone so much (which I don’t), I would NEVER use words like that on a public board. I NEVER say them either. I have children and respect other people and their children that may be reading these too much to communicated that way.
I hope that CMT removes them from this blog!
ITWASSTAGED says:
Robin, there are Taylor fans who will clone your name just to make you look bad.
goldie says:
YOU GO GIRL TAYLOR YOU ARE AWSOME!!!! EOTY WOW YOU HAVE A AWSOME CHANCE TO WIN I WILL BE PULLING FOR YOU AND ABOUT A MILLION OF YOUR OTHER FANS!!! THIS ONE IS VOTED BY THE CMA NOT THE FANS BUT I WISH IT WAS TAYLOR WOULD WIN FOR SURE HER FAN BASE IS HUGE, BUT IF SHE WINS IT WILL MEAN THAT IT CAME FROM THE COUNTRY MUSIC , THAT IS WHAT TAYLOR SINGS!!!!GOOD LUCK I NO YOU WILL WIN SOME IF NOT ALL!!!!
snl says:
congrads on your nominations taylor you have worked so hard this year and I am sure you will come home with a hand full, you deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
star says:
IAM SO HAPPY FOR TAYLOR!!!!! SHE HAS A GREAT CHANCE TO WIN EOTY!!! I PRETTY SURE SHE WILL WIN CD AND VIDEO OF THE YEAR FEMALE VOCALIST TAYLOR OR REBA!!
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