Wynonna Should've Said No About Taylor Swift
Everyone is entitled to her own opinion. But would it have killed Wynonna Judd to keep hers to herself? I mean, she could've thought to herself, "Wow. Taylor Swift is up for entertainer of the year? That makes no sense. She doesn't deserve it." But instead, Judd told USA Today, and I quote, "You want my honest comment? It's too much too soon. Time is God's way of keeping everything from happening at once. It's just too much of a good thing too soon." And these comments were made before Swift had even won the big entertainer of the year award. So really, it's like Judd was saying Swift didn't even deserve to be in the running yet.
She went on to say that she thinks kids need to earn that kind of success because she and her mother Naomi rode in a car for the first year of their career to visit radio stations. Maybe she just hadn't tallied how many radio stations Swift has visited, how many fans she's met, how many names she's remembered, how many criticisms she's endured, how many songs she's written and oh yeah, how many millions of albums she's sold. Success didn't come any easier to Swift than it did to Judd in her heyday. And the irony is that Judd herself was only 22 when she herself was nominated for entertainer of the year.
Judd has since covered her ass -- I mean, apologized -- via Twitter and her own message board. But to me, the damage is done. Once you put sour grapes out there, it's really hard to take them back in.
Photo credit: Ed Rode
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
mae right says:
TS should never have been up for enternment of the year. She is not country and never will be. Just because she wrote a song about tim mcgraw does not make her country. the other ladies deserve thi more than TS and the fact that cmt gact and people maganize promted her is why she won. AS soon as they said faith him and tim mcgraw was going to annouce the winner I knew who it was and cut the tv off. I like tim and faith but goes to show the one who deserve to win losing. Carrie Underwood or Mirane Lamet should have won but didn’t and why didn’t faith hill say something abiut ts winner she didn’t hol dback when Carrie Underwood won
mae right says:
forgive my spelling this really upset me. I have allway loved country music but I probaly want listen anymore
mae right says:
TS should never have been up for enternment of the year. She is not country and never will be. Just because she wrote a song about tim mcgraw does not make her country. the other ladies deserve this more than TS and the fact that cmt gactv and people maganize promted her is why she won. AS soon as they said faith hill and tim mcgraw was going to annouce the winner I knew who it was and cut the tv off. I like tim and faith, but this goes to show the one who deserve to win losing. Carrie Underwood or Mirane Lamet should have won but didn’t and why didn’t faith hill say something about ts winner she didn’t hold back when Carrie Underwood won
Cheryle Sigafoos says:
TS is a beautiful, talented little girl, but she’s just that - a “little girl”. I get tired of Taylor’s baby songs. I agree with Wanona, she shouldn’t be running in the same category with all of the accomplished artists who have been pushed aside. The 12 year-olds voted for her and that’s why she received “Entertainer of the Year” over Brad Paisley etal. Actually, I think Brad deserves this award. Guess there’s no way of monitoring the voting age, which should be at least 18. Maybe a separate genre would be the answer, e.g. new teenage performers. Everyone I know begrudges TS taking that particular award.
Sarah says:
Cheryle Sigafoos, this wasn’t a fan voted award show. The CMA award nominees & winners are chosen by memebers of the Country Music Association. Just because Taylor is a teenager doesn’t mean she can’t win CMA awards. There is no age limit there.
P.S., I’m 18 & I would have voted for Taylor, had this been a fan voted award show. Also, you spelled Wynonna wrong.
Cheryle Sigafoos says:
I noticed that after I had sent it. My apologies to Wynonna.
NOT HAPPY! says:
I AGREE WITH WYNONNA!!! SHE JUST SAID WHAT EVERYONE ELSE WAS THINKING!!!!
Linda J says:
I am a nobody here in Indiana, listened to coutnry music all my life. I agree, Taylor Swift is not a country singer. She is a girl having made a deal with the devil, in my opinion. She didn’t deserve the entertainer of the year. Miley Syrus is more country than Taylor Swift and thats saying a lot. I was in another room when Taylor opened with a song on CMA and she was off tune, just speaking the words with no musical voice, the girl needs singing lessons. (I cannot sing, my son told me I couldn’t and said I was horrible singer, so I know when someone cannot sing too.) If you can’t carry a tune without a recording studio, you aren’t really a singer. If Taylor was on one of the reality shows for ‘can you sing?’ she wouldn’t be one of the finalist, that is for sure. The girl better invest her money wisely, for give her 5 more years and she won’t be around, if she hasn’t taken singing lesson. She will only be known as a songwriter. I hope I don’t eat these words in 5 years, if she takes singing lessons.
Valerie says:
So basically this means youth sells and the rest of the talented country music singers and writers are screwed.
marti says:
I agree with all of you - my biggest dissappointment of the night was female vocalist - I so believe that it should go to a female that can SING - not someone that sings more off key than on - my husband thinks TS should really thank Kanye - TS got alot of pity votes!!
SKYLAAR says:
Wynonna should not apologize for speaking the truth about Taylor Swift. Most of the viewers agree also.
John Myers says:
OK, this is NOT a fan voted award and it is not Taylor’s fault she won. The CMA’s 5000 members vote. All country music professionals. They nominated her and voted to give her the award. Taylor did the most for country music this year. She deserved the award. Reba said she voted for Taylor, so country music is what the CMA says it is. Old Wynoony Juggs should keep her opinion to herself.
Linda J says:
Hurrah for Wynonna! She did say what everyone really wanted to say. So don’t dis Wynonna for her opinion. It was the same as a lot of people who watched the awards, I told my husband Taylor would win( and not really wanting her to,) and he said he would be really pissed if she did and he was pissed when they announced her name. He was sorely disgusted at country music.
Heather says:
If all 5000 member voted for Taylor than they are all morons. I can’t imagine Taylor get all these votes.
Linda J says:
John, I can’t believe Reba voted for Taylor rather than George Strait, even if Taylor toured with George Strait before. Reba and George tour this year. They must have felt sorry for the little girl and knew she won’t be around long…..
Linda J says:
Lets hope that we just hear Taylor winning song writing awards from now on.
Kristen says:
I guess this means that any non talented singer can win a country music award.
Kenny says:
What Wynonna said was correct. Mabye if someone had said something along these lines sooner then we wouldn’t have to continue to endure all the over-sensationalized hype that is Taylor Swift. She’s talented, yes, but she did not surpass the talent in all of the categories she won, read: FVOTY & EOTY.
The CMAs have lost credibility with a huge number of country music fans. Go read any blog out there on this subject and just look at all the comments being left by the majority of fans. Even fan based web prediction polls had Swift in the lower percentages of both FVOTY & EOTY (except CMT go figure). No one expected her to win either one of those awards. Why? Because country music fans know she doesn’t deserve them based on the talent she possesses, else, she would have lead the polls. Are the CMAs that out of touch with country music fans?
Thank God someone finally had the gumption to stand up and say something, even if Wy’s comments have been taken out of context and meaning.
jared says:
I can’t believe the Female Vocalist Award. Please! If all these awards went to Taylor Swift just because of what Kayne West did, then country music really is pathetic.
John says:
It’s true that country music has changed over the years, but honestly I don’t put Taylor Swift in the same category as Alan Jackson, Paisley, or even the coconut cowboy Kenny. She is popular no doubt, but Entertainer of the Year should be more than a popularity contest among young teens. PAISLEY SHOULDA WON!
timcum says:
Anyone who thinks its just sour grapes for Wynonna to say what she did, I say it’s nice that someone has the guts to tell the truth. Wynonna just said what a lot of other artists wanted to say but didn’t have the nerve. I have a feeling a lot of people are secretly congratulating Wynonna for speaking the truth.
Cowboy Hat says:
Love Wynonna!
Cory says:
Wynonna and George are preaching to the choir! Carrie and Taylor have no business being in country music. Taylor especially who couldn’t sing her way out of a paper bag!!! These little girls belong on the Disney channel with Miley Ciruss singing into a pre- recorded machine to make the illusion that they sound good. After listening to Taylor on the CMA”s that was evident!!To beat out Martina and Reba for female vocalist is APPALLING and DISGUSTING!!!! and don’t even get me started on the Entertainer of the year award! The Acadamy should be ashamed for selling out and giving the award to the teen fad instead of giving it to the most deserving! To add insult to injury the Great Barbara Mandrell was there to witness this train wreck! I would love to here what she has to say about all this. What does Martina and Reba have to do to be recognized these days?!
Cowboy Hat says:
Hey they shouldnt have asked her “opinion” if they werent going to respect it. Alison is just trying to start a backlash against Wynonna who could out sing TS anyday! Your not the only one who has a right give one. You dont keep yours to yourself!!!!!!!!
She was right but probably didnt want to start an uproar.
Cowboy Hat says:
cmt= comedy music tv includes nick at nick reruns for your easy listening comfort
elizabeth says:
Thank you Wynonna. I respect your opinion. Sounds like Alison wants to start another uproar.
Kim says:
I agree that she should never have been nominated for this prestigious award. It is too soon and isn’t part of entertaining being able to actually sing live?
Debra says:
I agree with Wynonna and she shouldnt have had to apologize - whatever happened to free speech for God sakes!!! Oh I quess it wasnt politically correct. Wynonna just said what millions of CMA viewers were thinking Wednesday night!
Country Fan says:
Cowboy Hat, the author obviously doesn’t like it when someone calls her out. I am kinda surprised your comment made it when my first attempt at one - which was not kind to Alison either - has obviously been denied. Way to go CMT, take up for your poster child Taylor. Oh well, it least I have GAC and RFD.
Virginia says:
Everyone is entitled to their opinion…so here is mine. I think the Judds are about as phony as a 3-dollar bill. Wynonna is spewing jealousy..nothing more. And it’s none of her business anyway. Anyone who works as hard as Taylor Swift is deserving of the accolades. Wynonna needs to go back to wherever she is staying. I bet is Taylor Swift asked her to sing with her, she would jump at the chance because, after all, what has Wynonna done lately?
Kenny says:
Daughtry Outdraw Taylor Swift at CMAs
Friday, November 13, 2009
By Brian Cantor
She might be the top-selling artist in country music, and she might have swept the CMAs, but Taylor Swift was not the biggest live draw on Wednesday’s broadcast.
Rather, as a half-hour breakdown reveals, it was a collection of acts that included Carrie Underwood and Daughtry who brought the show to a peak for their live performances.
The 9-9:30PM half hour, which featured Underwood’s performance, as well as the Daughtry-Vince Gill collaboration and performances from Tim McGraw and Keith Urban, averaged 18.1 million viewers and a 5.6 adults 18-49 rating, which was above the 16.9 million viewer, 5.2 rating average for the 8-11PM broadcast.
9:30-10PM, which featured performances from names like Sugarland and Brooks & Dunn, was the second-highest-rated segment with 17.3 million viewers and a 5.4 rating.
Swift’s performances in the 8-8:30PM and 10-10:30PM half hours drew 16.8 million/4.8 and 16.2/5.1, respectively.
Granted, the data cannot be used to totally dismiss Swift. Her crossover success as a country artist certainly positioned this year’s show for a great deal of hype (and was likely responsible for a portion of the year-over-year ratings increase), and a case can certainly be made that performing in the 9PM hour is the best way to pop a rating (and, as the 9-9:30PM segment was loaded with performances, it really had no option but to draw well). Had Swift performed with that all-star lineup at 9PM, the rating might have been even higher.
Nonetheless, what can be said is that from a performance perspective, Swift was not a particularly bigger draw than some of the other major names in pop/country/rock even if analysis from a sales and mainstream buzz perspective speaks to the contrary.
Note: The utilization of a half-hour breakdown methodology is sometimes criticized, as some argue that it is the appeal of the past segment that determines whether people will stick around for the next half hour. While that is certainly valid in the case of scripted programs, awards shows are heavily compartmentalized and built around different performances and awards announcements coming at different times. Consequently, as there definitely is a portion of the audience that seeks out specific performances throughout the broadcast, it is fair to use the ratings breakdown to assess interest.
Data Sources: Nielsen Media Research, MediaWeek
Tonja says:
I also agree with Wynonna she just told the truth. TS can’t sing and for sure not country. TS has hurt country music really bad this week. I will not listen to any station that plays TS music.
Cowboy Hat says:
Country Fan: That is censorship isnt it?
Cowboy Hat says:
It was her business because on the red carpet she was asked her opinion-
the article started: When asked before the show what advice she would give Swift, 19, Wynonna (the previous youngest CMA EoY nominee, at 22) was candid. She didnt say she didnt like her. And she didnt start the question.
TxAGG says:
I don’t think God had any control over the CMA awards and probably doesn’t really care.
Cowboy Hat says:
I am not a TS hater, but I have been a Wynonna fan for years. So if I seem a little angry is because I dont think its fair for Wynonna to be bashed for answering honestly a question a reporter asked. Good for TS I dont care either way! She has been the most publicized this year so that why she won. Good for her. I know how things like this will last alllll year.
“Know one else on earth” is still one of my favorite country songs!
D Trotter says:
Wynonna was just being Wynonna, which is not nearly as bad as Kanye being Kanye (or CMT blog posts being CMT blog posts, for that matter)].Even Taylor Swift fans might worry that so much success so soon could warp her grounded attitude and natural wholesomeness.
This is one tough-minded teen,though. How many 19 year-old girls could perform in front of a sold-out Madison Square?How many 19-year-old girls could host SNL,perform twice, appear in 90% of the skits and draw raves reviews from everyone from the New york times to Rolling Stone.
Angie Santos says:
To those people who say TS shouldn’t have won or even be nominated for Entertainer of the Year, or that she is not even country, I just have to say that around 6,000 members of the Academy of Music Awards, and many of her fellow country music artists, think different than you do. She keeps winning awards for country music songwriters, awarded by country music songwriters, they also think different than you do. Tens or maybe hundred of thousands of people that have attended her sold out concerts (yes most of them young girls, teens, their mothers and grandmothers) have had the time of their lives, they have been entertained, and also think different than you do. And what about the millions of people that have purchased her albums? They have been entertained and am sure many of them have started to listen to other country singers as well.
Buffalogal says:
First off, I am going to state that I am not a Taylor Swift fan nor do I own any Wynonna/Judds music.
That being said, Taylor Swift did deserve the awards that she won. Her music may not be “pure country”, but being that it is accepted on country radio and her cd is considered country as well, in theory at least she is a country singer. She has undeliably had more commercial success than all others nominated. She truely is everywhere! Although the awards shows in the past have been known to give an occassional award to a virtually unknown song or single to promote “true” country music or bluegrass, it would’ve been shocking to see Taylor walk away with nothing! You have a lot of success, you deserve something (aka awards) for it.
As for actual vocal talents, I will say this- if awards were based solely on vocals the winners would be drastically different. It is my honest opinion that the most talented singers are Martina, Trisha, Carrie and Cody Collins (new lead singer of Lonestar). Do I expect them to win all the awards? Of coarse not.
Now for Wynonna’s comment- we all have opinions and she’s entitled to hers. She shouldn’t have to apologise or retract. Like others have stated, the question shouldn’t have been asked in the first place, but she gave her honest response. Some will agree, some not. I’m just surprised she would give a real response. I hate answers given simply to avoid backlash.
1mrmaxx says:
My 5 year-old LOVES Taylor and because of this I have learned to enjoy her music as well. I’ve considered her a gifted song writer for some time; however, until a certain little girl hit a perpetual “REPEAT” on her CD player, it was hard for me to listen to Taylor sing. Another poster suggested she take voice lessons, which is something I’ve prayed for myself…LOL! Miss Swift is an accomplished musician and gifted writer, but she has little vocal ability. All of that said, I believe much of this win was due to the mega media blitz that her PR machine was so successful in creating in the last year. (It’s truly in par with Garth himself, in my opinion.) The vote was based on how much she was in the entertainment spotlight, not on her vocal ability. I would have preferred to see Brad Paisley win myself. But that’s my preference, not the preference of the voting members of the CMA.
countryiscool says:
Lady Wy was just stating what ALOT of other people didn’t have the guts to. TS did not (especially) deserve Female Vocal when everyone else can sing circles around her and then some. She is stuck in high school, same vocal octave, and gets an A+ for swinging her hair around. I’m glad Wy
spoke up and she owes no apology.
Kim says:
All I have to say is, I am sure not all of the 6,000 members of the academy voted for Swift. And they might have retracted their vote if they were able to after her first performance. After so many off key performances, it has to be more than just the sound at the venue.
dan says:
This is sick.
amsanvel says:
Oh, and Wynonna didn’t say that TS doesn’t know how to sing or that she doesn’t sing country music, as people suggest in this blog’s comments. She said it was too much too soon, said about somebody being nineteen years old. I think it was misinterpreted. But at the same time, Wynonna probably doesn’t know much about TS, her story and how hard she has worked for everything she has accomplished.
victoria says:
I dont think Taylor should’ve been nominated for anything at the “CMA Awards.” She’s not country at all. Of course she deserves to win awards being as she is one of the most popular artists out there, just not in this genre. On the other hand, Wynonna was way out of line. She had no right to say what she did, and this wasnt the first time she’s made negative comments towards another artist. She did the same thing a while back to Carrie Underwood.I hate it when other artists say something like”they havent been in the industry long enough.” Just because your career is no longer in its peek doesnt mean you have to bad mouth other artists.
hello says:
Anybody ever heard of 10,000 hours rule? Hours you have to put in/work before you make something? That’s generally true for majority of people/artists.
Oops.. she fulfilled it in 1 year and 2 months, working 24/7. Dang.
I am also confused whether she’s a teen stars like Miley or Jo Bros who are not taken that seriously at major awards (or are they?). I think Taylor is more mature than them but not fully an adult. And most country fans are more mature crowd. She’s a big star but it seems like most of us cannot relate to her.
jon says:
I am glad Taylor won EOTY because she is the most entertaining this year, like her or not. At first I thought how could she win FVOTY but after thinking about it I think I would have voted for her to. Would I vote for someone that is technically a better singer or someone I would rather listen to. I think I would vote for someone I like to listen to. I am 55 years and for me country music died in the 80s, I think its funny to hear people say that country music is changing, it changed 25 years ago when it got way to corny for me. Thanks to Taylor Im back. So you like who you like and I like who I like but you wont find me trashing your favorites.
Taco Loco says:
“I don’t think God had any control over the CMA awards and probably doesn’t really care”
Maybe God agreed with Wy and was scared off by all the kiddie fans.
Lisa says:
I have to agree with the majority of comments here. Unfortunately, it seems that it is all dollars and cents. Taylor Swift is selling alot of records. She seems like a nice young lady who is a very talented song writer. She does need to work on her vocals. I think it will show as her popularity diminishes and has to rely on her singing ability. It is really unfair on the others who were in her categories for the awards that were much more talented to come out second.
bkb says:
why would reba vote for swift and let it be known that she did? just to keep on the good side and not cause any waves. wynonna has always been out spoken and said want many country artists were thinking but didn’t want to deal with the flack and maybe backlash to their careers. i can’t believe the people that have been against these awards, i guess the little girls are too young to blog and the fans of good country are ready to speak their piece.
hotelmotel says:
I agree wih Alison B 100%.
I am not a Taylor Swift fan, but I disagree with Wynonna. She says its too soon for Swift to win; “Its just too much of a good thing too soon.” First - note that Wy’s complaint isn’t that Swift isn’t country, that Swift’s music stinks, that her vocals are bad or that Swift doesn’t sell enough tickets or music downloads. Its simply that Swift is too young or her fame is happening too fast.
That makes little sense to me. I don’t think one’s age or how quickly one has had success should be relevant to an award based on one’s accomplishments (be they artistic or commericial or a combination of both) in the past year.
Nor do I think the award should be one for one’s work ethic (and Swift does work hard, so that point is irrelevant) nor for “paying one’s dues.” These awards should be for success in the past year. If the CMA wants to praise people for their hard work or give out awards for effort, that’s fine by me, but those should be separate awards.
I just don’t think Wy’s complaint makes any sense. I wonder if she was trying to find a semi-polite way to say that she doesn’t like Swift’s music. If that was her point, that is fine (nobody has to like Swift’s music) but it would be more honest intellectually to just make that point.
Meg says:
Taylor is beautiful, talented, an AMAZING songwriter, and I LOVED the Fearless Tour. BUT this is WAY to soon. She is NOT ready to have won this award.
kayko says:
Meg, to late…she already won it.
8charlotte says:
Amen to Wynonna for speaking the truth that all fans of country music have been thinking.Taylor’s wins for fv and eoty were given to her.The academy has let outside situations away their votes.And I know I do not have to list them.Those 2 awards were way out of Taylor’s league.My goodness Martina did not even get to sing one of her latest songs.But Taylor got to sing 2.How is that fair to one of the greatest singers around and nominated for fv.Yes Martina sang to welcome Barbara in the hall of fame.I really hope the cma academy has learned their lesson.
okramone says:
I agree with Wynona 100%! If she could sing it might be different.They’ve crammed her down our throats for the last year. Enough already!
MoJo says:
I think Taylor Swift is fabulous, and Miss Judd is just jealous. She should keep her comments to herself. Without mommy, she would’nt get the time of day
okramone says:
Miss Judd doesn’t have a thing to be jealous of! She could buy and sell T.S ten times over. She has as much right to her opinion as anyone else. She darn well shouldn’t have apologized!
truthteller says:
The fact that really bothers me is that during the eligibility period, she was the opening act for other artists.
Yes, she sold a lot of CDs so she should receive the Album of the Year award and she had a lot of success at radio so that merits the Female Vocalist award. However, she SHOULD NOT have received the Entertainer award since she did not headline as much as the other nominees.
D Trotter says:
Now this is all just too amusing. You can’t find this much denial inside a psychiatrist’s office.
For the last month, the Anti-Taylor gang has been saying there was NO WAY Taylor would win EOTY or CMA FEMALE VOCALIST, conveniently ignoring the fact that she is the biggest music phenomenon on the planet right now.
When a CMT poll indicated Swift might win all 4 awards including EOTY, y’all went off to some place where Roy Rogers still rides and got your own poll that said she wouldn’t win.
And now that she DID win everything, just like you were told … oh, it was fixed, it was bought, blah-blah-blah, moan,moan,moan, whine,whine,whine, boo-hoo-hoo, it’s the end of the country music world as we know it … geez! and you have the nerve to call Taylor’s fans children!!!
(By the way, I didn’t see any pre-teens surrounding Swift when she sang “15″ — I saw a lot of older HS and College women, very attractive ones at that!)
So when Taylor wins Fan-voted awards, some of you said you don’t think fans should get to vote. (A truly amazing comment for fans to make!!!)
When the Industry votes for her, it’s because … they sold out.
But not a one of you can EVER admit that maybe, just maybe, there is a reason for her popularity that you haven’t grasped.
Here it is… are you ready?
Taylor Swift is …..
everygirl
say it aint so says:
D Trotter, of course it was fixed. There’s no way in hell you can convince ANYONE who knows ANYTHING that she is a better singer than Martina, Reba, Carrie or Miranda. The FVOTY gave credence to the fact that the awards were fixed, or more like BOUGHT!!!
say it aint so says:
DTrotter, did you know that those girls were bussed in from local high schools? Yep that’s right!! 200 of them
kayko says:
8charlotte, I remember when Wynonna said that Carrie Underwood’d music was vanilla and made Carrie so upset she cried. I remember that Carrie’s fanbse was out for blood and to be truthful I felt bad for Carrie and I’m not even a big fan of her’s. So now when Wynonna say’s something about Taylor some of the Carrie fan’s are saying good for her she has the right to say what she think’s. I will remember this the next time someone say’s something to disrepect Carrie and make it a point to remind everyone that they have the right to say what they think.
say it ain’t so, prove it!
Shirley Williamson says:
I am a 57 year old female and have listen to country music all my life.From Patsy to Willie to Charlie to Wy and everyone in between.There are several artists that can”t actually carry a tune but became mega stars.Garth,Reba,Martina,Shania,Loretta,Wy,Alan,Both Georges,Toby,and Trace just to name a few have all had their time in the spot light,so I think these young artists such as Miranda,Carrie and yes Taylor should be commended for all their talent and yes they all have talent and thanks to them we still can hear our favorites on radio.So let Taylor have her time. I myself thank her! So all you young people go get em!
Brian Tarp says:
Way to go Taylor!
merlefan49 says:
As I read it WY was asked before the show what she thought and she gave her opinion. If you don’t want an opinion don’t ask for it.
Total Country says:
LOL, love these crazy blogs, should copy and past and write A
Total Country says:
lol, these crazy bloggs, we all know that the winners are picked by who is most poplar and the biggest money maker, so why all the crying, country has always done this. It is just another publicity draw for more money, get real, if you don’t like , don’t watch, I pick and choose who I listen to, which is my right, I am a very good channel clicker-watched who I loved, turned the other off. Now that solves it, awards are a joke, it is a reward for bringing the most money in. And not just this show, all of them. nuff said, have a good day everyone, go enjoy your favorite artist.
Klube says:
There was a time some 50 plus years ago when I listened to Peggy Lee, Perry Como, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, Hank Williams & Johnny Cash ALL on the same radio station because it was ALL popular (POP) music. The big uproar over Rock & Roll being the devil’s music brought a lot of attention to the artificial dividing lines that eventually became known as “genres”. The divisions are just as artificial today, people. They’re just exploited for market share (as well as other more esoteric divide & conquer reasons - but we’ll leave the real politics of corruption aside for the moment). Just what the hell is more commercial (unh - that’s bought & sold - y’all) than Nashville?? If you think the discussion of the ruination of country music is a NEW topic of concern & hand-wringing then you need to search up and listen to Waylon’s “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” (just to name 2 ol’ boys who had no problems carrying a tune) from the “Outlaw” “genre.” Ever since the Byrds “Sweetheart Of the Rodeo” & Bob Dylan’s “Nashville Skyline” introduced the concept of “crossover” & the mixed “genre” “Country-Rock” in 1970 there’s been far too many rock n roll schooled producers behind the sound boards on “country” recordings to satisfy hardcore purists. But there’s plenty of good music to enjoy whatever you personally feel is the purest. Someone recently asked Lady GaGa - another equally love her or hater attention getter on the 2009 scene - why her threshold of embarrassment was so low. To which she replied - “I sold four million records in six months. I’m not embarrassed about anything.” Don’t have Taylor’s sales stats right at hand, but she can probably say the same thing. And on a final note, I just wonder how many of the haters can play a chord (that’s 3 notes at the same time, y’all) on an instrument or sing an accurate scale. Your time might be better spent practicing for your own awards show….
jon says:
MCGRAW and FAITH HILL have come to TAYLOR SWIFT’s defence in the wake of negative comments made about the young singer’s big night at the Country Music. Hill and her husband McGraw - the subject of Swift’s first hit - have stepped up to defend the teenager.
Hill says, “I think she worked her tail off… and she deserves to win.”
And McGraw tells People.com, “I’ve been doing this a long time and she’s got a better head on her shoulders than I do, so I don’t know how anybody could complain about that.”
tsweezyfan says:
YOU ALL SHUT UP! TAYLOR SWIFT DESERVED ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR! SHE HAS WORKED EXTREMELY HARD THIS YEAR! SHE IS AMAZING. SO JUST SHUT YOUR STUPID MOUTHS! GO TAYLOR! I’M SUPPORTING YOU EVEN IF NO ONE ELSE IS!
Magnolia says:
When you put Taylor Swift up against the vocal abilities of Reba, Martina, Carrie, Barbara Mandrell and the many other talented females, there is NO comparison. Taylor Swift cannot sing compared to those ladies. She was extremely off-key, off-pitch and her songs are for the teeny-bopper, pop music crowd. She does NOT sing Country Music. Neither does Carrie Underwood, but at least Carrie can sing and stay on-key. Carrie would actually make a great traditional country artist if she can force herself to leave the “hot pants” act to someone else…..like Britney Spears.
As a matter of fact, country music has turned into pop music. The corporate hierarchy in Nashville has ruined country music. I have heard from people who have been in the music business first hand that’s it’s basically a Mafia running Nashville. And, it’s obvious. It’s not about the “art of music” anymore, it’s about the “money”. That line of thought usually ruins everything.
jon says:
I remember when the Beatles first came out and I heard the same thing. They are a flash in the pan, they cant sing, they are just for kids, they will be gone tomorrow. Listen to there old stuff, all of there songs were about love and girls just like Taylors are about love and boys. Only time will tell but I think she is hear to stay. And who cares if others can sing better. Thats like me saying Steve Vai and Joe Satriani can play circles around Brad and Keith. Who cares I would reather listen to Brad and Keith play.
bkb says:
sure faith and tim are coming to swift’s defense. they are doing it for their careers and nothing else. it would make them so unpopular if they really said what they thought and rightfully so, say nothing at all and quit saying what they don’t believe. swift has worked hard and is smart but this does not make her a singer. i would think this would be the first on the list for someone to become female vocalists and etoty! i blame the cma committee, this is all on them.
Lisa says:
Why is that lady in the picture above orange? She looks like a giant carot
kayko says:
bkb, wrong, Faith and Tim have been very vocal before the awards about their support for Taylor.
jake says:
Taylor deserves every award she receives!!!!!!!!! Taylor worked extremely hard throughout her entire career, and finally it has paid off. How can some of you not feel happy for her? It puts a smile to my face knowing that someone who has worked sooo hard throughout their career for their dream and then to finally see it pay off, must be the most wonderful feeling ever. Also Taylor single handily revitalized country music, she has introduced a younger audience into the genre, like me and my friends.
One more thing, to the person who says Taylor’s fans are only 12 year old girls…I’m a 19 year old male and I love Taylor Swift’s music, and trust me theres a lot more people just like me!!!
jon says:
I think its funny that when Wynonna said something negative, she telling the truth but when Faith and Tim say something positive they are liars. Even Kenny told her when she won ‘I’m so proud of you and I love you so much,’ I guess he was lying. Not all people feel the way you do. She won five awards that night and no matter how hard you try you cant take them from her so why try.
solongsowrong says:
Magnolia: Where have you been. Commercial Country music has been Pop for a long time now. Including when the Judds were on top. By definition, commercialized music, no matter what the genre, has always been about sales, and not art. And to make the sale, it usually involves more than just the music…enter the “hot pants”.
If you want to put the blame on anyone, blame the fans who continue to support a format they don’t like. If you’re looking for more traditional Country music, you got to go where it’s being played, and that place isn’t Mainstream commercial radio, or the CMA’s. There are many independent markets and labels out there, that still cater to the Roots artists of Country music. Have you listened to the new music of Patty Loveless, Gene Watson, James Hand, or Corb Lund? My guess is no, because if you had, you wouldn’t be wasting your time complaining about Taylor Swift…. or Pop Country.
Diana says:
Allison, Wynonna was asked her opinion and gave it. She didnt say what everyone else was really thinking, that TS can’t sing, she just said it was too much too soon. I was ok with TS winning all but the FVOTY was absurd. After watching her opening the show with that horribly out of tune song, which is par for her, to give the award for best singer? Preposterous! For those that say she needs voice lessons, have I got a bulletin for you. When Can You Duet came on first season, one of the judges was a voice coach who said on air he was Taylor’s voice coach. I remember thinking at the time, I wouldn’t tell anybody that if you want more business. So, almost 2 yrs later with voice lessons, shes still out of tune. I would love to hear the number of votes for each lady in that category. The only way I can see TS getting more votes is that the other 4 talented ladies split so many votes and Taylor snuck by. I still find that hard to believe. I think something is rotten in Denmark, as the old saying goes.
James says:
Way to go Wynonna! My respect has gone up for her.
And whoever said it was extremely right when they said that ALison sure doesn’t keep her opinions to herself.
And all these people crack me up that say they’re 50+ years old, as if that makes as difference. Most of you are probably lying about your age anyway, but even if you aren’t, so what?
Old People can have bad taste, too.
And because the majority of the CMA voters picked Taylor, that doesn’t mean Taylor deserved it. The CMA’s lack of respect for the industry is mostly what fuels much of our anger.
Lastly, whoever said that they have “learned to listen to Taylor because their 5-year old likes her,” well, thankyou.
You just proved my point.
harry says:
taylor sucks. no doubt about it.
leave country music, chick.
gobrad says:
Everything about Taylor ticks me off.
jon says:
Diana…if all the votes were split she would only need 21% of the votes to win and she got it. I would have voted for her too, not because she is the best singer and she is not, but because she is my favorite singer the one I listen to the most. I think you and anyone who had a chance to vote would vote for who you like to listen to the most and it might not be the technically best singer. Im sure we could have a computer program to tell us who is the most in tune and had the most power in there voice, Is that what music is about?
say it aint so says:
no jon, the vocalist award should go to a VOCALIST.
BeauZeau says:
“The woods would be very silent if the only birds that sang were those who sang best…” - Henry David Thoreau
say it aint so says:
Beau, birds don’t win awards that should go to other birds.
Redmaz says:
…That’s only your opinion that it should go to a vocalist. You really don’t understand this? Just wondering,, because this should be common knowledge to music fans. The CMA is a Pop industry award. The award goes to the best numbers whether you like it or not. By definition, record sales, radio spins, concert attendance and merchandising wins these awards. If you took the time to educate yourselves about basic music fundamentals and genre description, you wouldn’t continue to embarrass yourself with these ridiculous comments. Don’t like the way Pop Country and the industry works? Too bad. Start supporting Americana/Roots music then, and quit complaining. Unless you don’t know what New Americana/Roots Music is, and If you don’t please free to ask…………………
D Trotter says:
The Anti-Taylors learn about something new? Don’t they all know everything there is to know already?
Problem is they stopped learning. That’s why they have such a hard understanding new phenomenon. God for bid they have to deal with Reckless Kelly.
Lori says:
Let’s try this again …
Wy knows what she is talking about, Alison. And she didn’t not say anything mean … she’s just worries it’s too much too soon for a young artist.
Taylor is adorable and can write a good song, but dang … a great vocalist? An entertainer?, yes … but have you SEEN the other nominees show?! (Especially Keith Urban. He’s phenominal!) She’s so over-dramatic it’s painful. I’ve seen her live twice and she really struggles to keep in tune. But my girls love her and I am taking them to see her. *shrug*
Alison, I don’t usually reply to your entries. I sort of feel like, if I don’t have anything nice to say, I should say anything at all. That’s cool if you like Taylor. But really, there are other artists in the world and their fans deserve to hear just as much about them as than the current “IT” girl.
And I respectfully feel like you just don’t get what country music is. I may be wrong but I’m gonna go out on a limb and say you didn’t grow up listening to “real” country music . . . that you’re one of these johnny-come lately’s that like Kenny, Keith, Sugarland, Carrie, Taylor, Rascal Flatts and say, ooohhhh, I like country music. They are all great … but not really country. Can we just admit that?
I in no way, want to be one of the “Alison Bashers” on her. Just have been bitting my tongue hear for a while.
bkb says:
kayko, i know they have been vocal because she did the tim mcgraw song and kept saying how wonderful faith is. it would be a different story if she had not praised both of them, anyway the awards were given and swift was on top whether she could sing or not, guess we will just have to get use to it, it is a shame that a talented person did not get the awards that she did. she is smart and knows who to butter up.
Ryan Roberts says:
My thoughts. I HATE COUNTRY POP! Taylor Swift, Gloriana, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Kellie Pickler , Phil Stacey, Chuck Wicks, Julianne Hough and others just like them are NOT COUNTRY ! Although i consider Carrie and Keith as borderline country. Now keep in mind that for what these artists sing its great but its just NOT COUNTRY . When i think of country music i’m in the Middle of “Murder on Music Row” and “Put Some Drive In Your Country”. As far as this article goes though, I agree with Wynonna. Taylor Swift honestly doesn’t deserve anything but songwriting awards.
Jen says:
So you people that are praising Wynnnona did you praise her when she said almost the samething about Carrie when she won Female Vocalist. She said almost the same thing about her, that it was too soon. Agree with her there too.
jon says:
say it aint so…If you could vote would you vote for the one who is most in tune or the one that would touch your heart? Tell me, I would like to know.
Jen says:
Though I 100% agree she should of NOT won Female Vocalist, especially with Reba and Martina on that list. Her voice at this time is not up to par with the others on the list, I would of gave it to Reba myself. Taylor did win that too soon, wait a few years and see how her voice matures.
As for Entertainer she 100% deserved that. NO one has been more an ambassador for the country music industry this year than Taylor. She has been everywhere and done everything and doing so has promoted country music and introduced many new fans to country music at a time when it needs it, all of music needs an ambassador. She is going to have the TOP selling album in ALL of music for the year, do you realize the last time that happen was Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993. She has made history on Billboard with her first album STILL on the Billboard Top 100 in almost 200 WEEKS. That is HISTORY, no other album has been on the Billboard Top 100 albums sold that long, not even Garth.
Do you people that say she shouldn’t of won Entertainer realize that Garth did the same thing in his SECOND year in the business. Garth in his second year at the CMA’s and after his FIRST full year was nominated and WON Entertainer of the Year, in his FIRST year nominated. People at that time said the same thing about him winning, it was too soon.
So was it alright for him to win Entertainer right out the box but not Taylor. She has done the same brought NEW fans to the industry, sold more than anybody and Taylor has been an international success since she performed overseas, Garth hadn’t at the time performed overseas when he won his first Entertainer award.
john says:
I love Taylor because I have never heard her say one bad thing about any body. I think a lot of people here could learn so much from her. So do you take the high road or are you going to bitch and cry your life away?
johnny says:
say it aint so…is just a mad Jonas Brother fan trying to put her down because she broke up with Joe.
Jen says:
“If you want to put the blame on anyone, blame the fans who continue to support a format they don’t like. If you’re looking for more traditional Country music, you got to go where it’s being played, and that place isn’t Mainstream commercial radio, or the CMA’s.”
COULDN’T AGREE MORE, how many of you guys complainning about Taylor winning or out there supporting REAL country music and I am NOT talking about the commerical country you hear on radio but REAL country music.
Patty Loveless put out the best album of the year IMO, her second Mountain music album, how many took the time to hunt it down and listen to it or better yet buy it. It is awesome.
How many have took the time to seek out Gene Watson’s amazing album or Radney Foster’s great new album. How about Steve Warnier’s great tribute album to Chet Atkins, or Ricky Skaggs album that is a tribute to favorite songs of his Dad.
You guys that are griping and complaining or the same ones that support all the pop garbage that is played on commerical country radio everyday and wouldn’t know REAL ROOTS country music at all. So until you are supporting the true real country music you have NO right to complain.
Bill says:
Chesney, Paisley, Strait, Sugarland, Toby and many more are all great. I think that other country singers like Eric Church, Trent Tomlinson, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean all need to get recognized more. These are guys that will never win any awards no matter how good their albums are because all these award shows are popularity contests. Eric Church’s albums and songs are some of the best. Not one bad song on both albums in my opinion.
Bill says:
And I too am also sick of Taylor Swifts songs aimed at 12 and 13 year old girls. She belongs on High School Musical.
flower says:
love taylor she is amazing and deserved all of the cma’s she got which was 6 all together way to go girl!!!!!
Cuzi says:
Everyone is trashing on Taylor to have an ounce of the talent as a song writer that she has would be a dream come true, she has worked hard paid her dues busted her butt all year…For that I say Hooray..as for ETOY…not so much not because I don’t like Taylor but because I’m damn tired of the CMA’s over looking certain people..hmmm Tobey Keith ring any bells he does so much and is so deserving but NEVER even gets nominated??? Something is wrong with this picture!?!?
Jen says:
Toby is not the only one that is overlooked, Tim Mcgraw has been over looked for years, least Toby has WON TWO Entertainer awards in his career, Tim only has one. Tim has outsold Toby his whole career and out sold him in concerts. Tim is the TOP SELLING Country Artist of the Decade so don’t crying about Toby, Tim has been ignored for many years even in 2006 and 2007 when he was the TOP SELLING Male in all of country and had the top tour.
It is Tim Mcgraw that in December that will be named by Billboard as the Top Selling Country Artist of the DECADE, and number THREE in ALL of music, NOT Toby.
BTW Tim’s album in three weeks has outsold Toby’s new album in 5 weeks by over 60,000 copies.
Raised Country Gal says:
Reading other comments….I am not wrong in my opinion that Taylor Swift, although talented, was not deserving of CMA’s highest award. What was all the floor dancing???? Where is the respect during award ceremonies??? I changed channels from the CMA’s because this did not depict what COUNTRY is. If this is the direction of the future for Country Music… then I will gladly step aside. I would never expect Faith, Reba, or Dolly to behave on national television in such decorum. I embrace change….loved Garth… and also feel Brad Paisley should have won this award. Thank you, Wynonna, for speaking out gracefully, as, it appears, so many others have felt. No apology should be expected here….by Wynonna.
wanda says:
all the negative comments aside people are always trying to pit carrie and taylor against each other they are really good friends.
Peg says:
This doesn’t surprise me. The same criticism of vocal ability has been made of most iconic singers in history. What they all share in addition to the criticism of their singing is the ability to touch many, many people and that is what Taylor has done. The second she makes new music, it is at the top of the charts because people HAVE to own it. Her tour,(ever heard of the Fearless Tour?) sold out in minutes each time the tickets went on sale. Every date that has gone on sale for next year is already sold out. She has written every song, worked hard, paid her dues, and is a living legacy to our children that they can accomplish big goals at any age if they work hard enough. I think Wynonna should have kept her mouth shut, like Allison said. But, now that she has spoken, expect the Taylor army to rise up and defend her. She will be bigger than ever now. The CMA voters got it right this year. Taylor ruled Country music and deserved to win those awards for her success.
sadie ann hawkins says:
Peg, have you actually LISTENED to her? Vocal ability and the past arguments are lame compared to the self-righteous talor fans who refuse to admit that she is not just a poor vocalist, she is actually TERRIBLE!!!! She can’t carry a tune to save her life, flat, no power, no vibrato, no range, breathy, no projection…NOTHING…ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT EVEN SLIGHTLY RESEMBLES A SINGER….SHE IS A WANNABE WITH AHUGE BANKROLL.
Kate says:
Presenting the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year…Taylor Swift…now doesn’t that just make you cringe…talk about an oxymoron.
merlefan49 says:
You know Peg Taylor ruled music this year it was pop music and that is great happy for her She and the others will be a big influence in it But what is their impact on the other aspects of music? Say like Roots and Americana ? She and they didn’t even make those charts and likely never will
D Trotter says:
Peg, your comment is 100% on the money. I want honest feelings and passion in my music, not perfectly-rounded notes. Ninety percent of what I love is the stuff I think Merlefan is referring to — Buddy and Julie Miller, Levon Helm, Reckless Kelly, Lucinda Williams, John Fogerty, Drive By Truckers, Band of Heathens .. none of those guys take singing lessons. ( DO they even have Americana Charts, Merlefan?)
Then there’s Taylor, who is a like a force of nature. Dismiss her as a pop flash-in-the-pan if you wish, just don’t come crying again when you wind up looking as silly as all the people who were confidently predicting she would never, ever win EOTY and FVOTY this year.
Taylor’s music is youthful because she was 12-to-14 when she wrote her debut, 16-to-18 when she wrote Fearless — that’s what gives it integrity, the songs are ABOUT her life to date and nothing else; but the writing itself, rather than being juvenile,shows great feeling, perceptive sensitivity and song-construction skills that artists 30 years older can’t deliver.
What is becoming apparent is that she is a risk-taker — she’s not just here to trod the same well-worn paths just because someone says that’s country. She loves country — and “Crazier” and “Come in With the Rain” show she could write fine Country songs, and her covers of “Run” and “Drive” show her respect for the tradition — but she is picking up the trail where Shania and Garth left it, with visually spectacular videos and stage shows that INVOLVE the audience. Who says the country crowd has to be stodgy?
And she is adding a touch of rock n roll. Boy! can she take over a stage! What other other woman can electrify the stage like that? Go ahead .. name one, you can even use rock and rollers. But do I detect a note of chauvinism — often coming from women, no less! I bet Keith could twirl down a pole or Toby could kick over a chair and nobody would give a rip, but the ladies they should be proper (and dance around in hotpants, I guess). What? This kind of attitude after Independence Day?
merlefan49 says:
Yes as a matter of fact D Trotter they do have Americana charts. Surely your not suggesting that Taylor Swift is Americana are you?
Lori says:
Taylor Swift … Americana? …. L M B O
Lori says:
Taylor is trying to be fiestly like my girl, Miranda Lambert. And she just can’t pull it off. It looks more like she is throwing a tempter tantrum.
Redmaz says:
“And she is adding a touch of rock and roll. Boy! can she take over a stage! What other woman can electrify the stage like that?” Hey? can I get in on that question? I can name several women who can electrify the stage with their music(not with their head shaking and pole sliding) D Trotter, you even named two yourself! Julie Miller and Lucinda Williams.
DJ says:
Here is my opinion I think Faith was there for one reason and that was she knew someone other than Carrie was going to get the FVOTY award–Did she not learn anything by her actions before? I mean how obvious could she be. I mean How could she support someone and be happy they won a Vocalist award that can not sing–Oh I know because it wasn’t Carrie Underwood Shame on you Faith Hill and WTG Wynonna for not beeing afraid to say what you think when asled
merlefan49 says:
I can also name women who can electrify the stage.
Amber Digby
Miss Leslie
Gillan Welch
Patty Loveless
kayko says:
asled? Does that mean being lead around by the rear-end?
merlefan49 says:
Also most of bluegrass female singers electrify the stage too.
Peacock Queen says:
I have been a country music fan all my life, and something is seriously wrong in Nashville! Taylor Swift is a little girl singing little bubble-gum pop songs about boys ignoring her and girls hating her in high school. This is not country, it’s POP! Country music has always been the anthem of the working man. During a time of war, threats on national security, and tough economic times, country music radio bombards us with Miss Swift’s immature ranting about being 15 and not dating the quarterback. Wynonna is absolutely right. This is only Entertainer of the Year material if you are under the age of 12! It’s a real slap in the face to some of the extremly talented country artists who have worked very hard and have had major success for several years. Martina McBride, Alan Jackson, Gary Allen, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert, to name just a few in addition to the awesome talents of Reba, Kenney, George, Brooks and Dunn. They all deserve the top award so much more than Taylor Swift! Jason Aldean deserved album of the year in my opinion, and there were far, far better songs about real life on the radio than the stupid Swift teenage-girl-frets-over-teenage-boy song that won. Ms. Swift can barely sing. If you will actually listen to her performance during the opening act of the CMAs instead of screaming her name, you will hear that she is out of tune and, at times, positively breathless. It just goes to show that a little pop princess who looks like a Barbie doll is considered more “talented” than someone who can actually sing, and acutally sings COUNTRY music when they do stand before a microphone! It’s shameful.
D Trotter says:
Perhaps I wasn’t clear — I said MOST of the artists I like are Americana (though to be honest I am really weary of all the labels — I liked most of these people before I even knew the designations Americana, Roots Country, or Roots Rock). Reason I brought them up was a) to ask Merlefan if there were actual Americana Charts (where can you find them?), and b) to state my preference for raw, primal singers over silky smooth vocal performers.
Jumping to the next paragraph, I said THEN there’s Taylor. Never meant to imply she’s Americana, she isn’t. My point was that the technical skill of her singing is no more important in her over merit as an artist than it is for Dylan, Cash, Young, Fogerty, Haitt, Helm or many others. It’s honesty and passion that is important to me.
As for electrifying the stage, I doubt we are talking about the same thing. I’m talking stage performance and theatrics, not playing a fiddle. Have any of you ever seen a Jagger, Tyler, Springsteen in their prime? Garth, maybe? Because I have seen a couple of the ladies you mentioned, and while I respect them enormously, we are not talking the same thing at all.
Patty says:
Wy was right, and shouldn’t apologize for her opinion. Taylor Swift isn’t really country anyway, and can’t even carry a tune. It’s hard to watch her because she is so bad!
solongsowrong says:
Looking for Americana charts D Trotter? Try looking on the Americana Music Association website. Or just type in the keywords Americana charts on a search.
merlefan49 says:
You don’t need stage performance and theatrics to electrify the stage.
D Trotter says:
Thanks for the advice, solong. Red, I’m surprised at you with your pole sliding quip, you’re usually above those kind of comments.
J Ross says:
I think it is unbelievable and unforgivable that TS won EOTY. She can’t sing and it is as simple as that. She is not country either. I will never watch CMT again and all I can hope is that the other ‘country’ award shows give their awards to deserving country singers. How in the world she could have been in the same category as Alan Jackson, Reba McEntyre, Martina McBride and the rest just makes the voting of the members outrageous. Nominate Miranda Lambert. She writes her own songs, she can sing and she IS pure country!
KMaine says:
I agree with Wynonna.I read a few blogs regarding TS and the majority agree on one thing,TS can’t sing.I hate pop country so I don’t listen to it but when I heard TS live I could not hit the mute button fast enough.The CMA’S have turned into a joke.
Redmaz says:
To J Ross, it may be your opinion TS is not Country, but that doesn’t change the fact she wins Pop Country awards. That’s because she’s a Pop act. You asked how in the world can she be in the same category as Jackson, McEntire, and McBride? Because they are all Pop acts too.”POP COUNTRY” That’s why.
To D Trotter, just covering every aspect of this discussion. You feel electrifying the stage is with stage performances and theatrics(head slinging and pole sliding), I’m talking about electrifying the stage with music.
Even though I’m fond of raw emotionalized singer/songwriters too, not all Americana artists fit that category either. There are some super smooth vocalists in Americana/Roots music too. So for someone who is weary of labels, you certainly tried to put one on Americana artists.
To Peacock Queen…Pop is NOT an idividual genre as you are implying. Pop Music is an industry consisting of MANY genres of music, including Country. Everyone you mentioned in your post is a Pop act.”POP COUNTRY” You may like some more than others, but they all happen to be Pop Country acts.
D Trotter says:
The labels I’m weary of, Red, are “Traditional Country”, “Pop Country”, “Country Rock” , now “Americana” … I don’t believe ANY artists WANT to be tagged, labeled, boxed, cataloged or pigeon-holed into some narrowly-defined category and told, “Now this is WHAT YOU ARE, DON’T TRY TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE!”
And, Red, if you look at my statement, I never said ALL Americana artists are raw and primal. I said most of the artists I liked have raw, primal styles AND most happened to be included under Americana. I even gave examples. (What examples do you have of silky, smooth Americana artist? I’ll make sure to avoid them.)
As for what makes for an electrifying performance, I’m gonna go with Taylor Swift’s statement. People who just want to hear the songs can listen to the album. If they pay the money, travel to see you, you should give them something they CAN’T GET on the radio or an album, bring the song to life, add some visuals. Standing at a mike and just doing a straight recital of your songs, no matter how well they are performed — hey, I already own the CD.
Concept seems to be working okay for her.
Andie says:
I think the point was that….where does Taylor go from here? How can she maintain? Hope she isn’t another MJ, from Thriller to never quite making something so amazing again. I don’t think whether or not she actually deserved it was the issue.
starwars says:
She won fair and square and your all waisting your breath. Unless someone can compete with her she will win next year too. Ha better either like it or leave it. BYE BYE!!!!
merlefan49 says:
D Trotter
You do realize the artist in pop music are told what kind of music to make don’t you? Even anything they are the ones who are limited.
Peacock Queen says:
Redmaz, yes the other acts are also “pop country” but these artists can actually sing, unlike Taylor Swift. And most of them have been around a lot longer, have had as much success (just not lumped into one year), and they have been ignored by the CMAs and the ACMs. It’s shameful on Nashville, and unfair to these other much more talented artists. That’s the point some of us Taylor detractors are trying to make. Taylor Swift is an idol for teenagers who writes immature songs about teenage woes, and to me, that is not at all “country.” That’s my opinion, and I am just as entitled to it as you are to yours. So is Wynonna Judd, and she should not have apologized. As my grandmother used to say, the truth will stand when the world is on fire. Taylor Swift cannot sing. That’s simply a cold hard fact. Are the Taylor detractors being mean, or simply truthful???? And yes, giving her all these awards is absolutely “too much too soon” as Wynonna so factually put it, because Taylor is most likely a flash in the pan. It would have been better for the CMAs to wait to see if Taylor actually has the staying power of George Strait, Reba, Brooks and Dun, Shania, Martina, Alan Jackson, Faith, Tim McGraw, etc. etc., before giving her those important awards. I don’t see Taylor being around once her now teenage fans grow up and move on to something else. It will be sad for Taylor when she is no longer the “it” girl. It’s a bad thing the music industry is doing to Taylor.
Peacock Queen says:
By the way, Tim and Faith’s second Soul2Soul tour was the top grossing concert tour, in ANY genre, during that year and they were not nominated for Entertainer of the Year as a couple. If these awards are, in fact, based on sales, then they should have been nominated and they should have won. As another person put it, something’s rotten in Denmark. Or in Nashville, rather.
GFAfan says:
I personally think Taylor won ETOTY this year because she is at the peak of her game right now…she is selling out her headlining tour…right now. The voters are seeing that right now, so that is how they voted. Does she deserve it? Probably…I’ve seen her perform many times live - including the sold out (70,000 seats) show at the Houston Rodeo. No, she doesn’t have the best voice, but the girl does know how to entertain. I never agreed with Kenny winning the award so many times - when I have seen him live (many times), he doesn’t do anything “entertaining” to me. But he was working his butt off, touring non-stop. So, ETOTY - in my opinion - is more about how hard the artist works during the year. And I don’t think anyone - even Wynnona - can argue with the fact that Taylor has worked her butt of since day one. She is a marketing genius.
Now, on the other hand, I believe that FVOTY should be based on actual talent. In that respect, Taylor is very talented…as a songwriter, not so much as a singer. I thought Carrie was going to take that one, based on her success and the fact that she has a great voice. Although, I would have not been surprised to see Martina win. She has one of the best voices out there, but is just not the commercial success as Carrie (and Taylor).
Now…we can all argue over who is country and who is not. The truth is that today’s country music is not the same as it was years ago. It’s bigger! I remember all the backlash that some artists got when they had songs “cross over” to pop. Olivia Newton-John was one of those…with some in Nashville saying that she couldn’t be a true “country” artist when she was from Australia…did anyone tell Keith Urban that? No. We just have to accept that “country” stations are playing what is commerically successful for them. Period. I personally listen to CDs and have turned off country radio. I’ll turn it back on when they start playing more than just those commercial artists (ummm…Gary Allan!).
countryiscool says:
GFAfan, you’ll be waiting a LONG time then…Mainstream country radio is ALL “commercial.” Surely that’s not the ONLY country station there is in the US. I’m sure Red can tell you that. Pop country is all mainstream commercial.
If you want to hear something else, let your fingers do the dialing, I’m sure there is other country out there.
Tarynn says:
Taylor did deserve those awards. She isn’t talentless, she can write. For her vocal capibility, some of her songs are hard to sing. But for those who believe Taylor sings bad live, listen to her less popular songs like ‘White Horse’ or ‘You’re Not Sorry’. She sounds like an angel.
Krissy says:
Wynonna, when are you coming back? We need someone to show TS how to sing. TS needs to not try to be the 35 year old “wanna-be” stripper wanting to make it in the business. What is up with the stripper pole? Bumping and grinding on stage with them bean pole legs? The blonde hair being flung back. I keep waiting for the paramedics to come on to the stage and treat her for whiplash. SHE CANNOT SING IF HER LIFE DEPENDED ON IT! If it wasn’t for digital technology making her sound great on audio, she would still be singing into her hairbrush with no cameras and no audience being a nobody like she should be! Her video “You Belong With Me” I have seen over, and over, and over, and over again! And every 15 minutes on the radio. I swear every time I switch the channel to get way from TS There is another one on another channel. I am so sick of that and every other song that is played by her. RADIO STATIONS IF YOU ARE READING THIS PLEEEEEEEEEASE PLAY SOMETHING ELSE OTHER THAN TS! I’M SO OVER IT & HAVE BEEN OVER IT SINCE DAY ONE!
countryiscool says:
Krissy, listen to mainstream pop country radio and that is what you get- ts over & over & pretty much every top 40 pop country artist. Sorry, but is this really a surprise?
Peacock Queen says:
Wynonna was asked her opinion, and she gave it honestly. She should not have felt pressured to apologize for that. What she said about Taylor was “too much, too soon.” I agree. Let’s look at two other artists who had phenominal success due to teenage girls screaming over them: Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Elvis was a young man who became a world-wide sensation back in the 50s and 60s. The girls went wild over his good looks (like Taylor’s) and swiveling hips (like Taylor’s pole dancing). However, as early as 1956, a year before Elvis’ first number one hit, record companies were desperately searching for the “next Elvis” (Colin Escot, “Elvis Presley: A Touch of Platinum”). The girls grew up, or went on to scream for someone else. Elvis struggled with his demise in fame. As a matter of fact, he became a joke. Drugs took over, which tragically lead to his untimely death in 1977. But unlike Taylor, when you take away the sequined outfits, bat capes and hip gyrations, what you have in Elvis is a man who could SING. Just listen to Elvis’ renditions of “Crying in the Chapel” or “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” The smooth, one-of-a-kind clairty of his voice will bring you to the tip of your toes. That won’t be the case for Taylor. She doesn’t have the voice. Michael Jackson was simply the greatest entertainer to date. However, he was another teen sensation who, at the time of his death, was carving off his face in self-loathing. Also, like Elvis, Michael died too young of drugs. Need I say more? The record excutives who are shamlessly promoting Taylor Swift are making millions now, but they will dump her once her now teenage fans grow up and move on to the next big thing. They won’t be there to help her while she struggles to understand why she isn’t on top any more. If she turns to drugs, the people who have made money off of her now will turn against her in disgust, refusing to admit that they had a hand in creating an overnight sensation based on teenage emotions rather than actual talent. Those of us over the age of 20 have seen this kind of “too much, too fast” go around before, with tragic results. Wynonna has seen it, and is old enough to understand the really bad consequences of it, too. So when some of us say that we don’t agree that Taylor Swift should have won all those awards at the CMAs over other artists with proven staying power, we are not being cruel. We are being realistic. Had these awards been bestowed upon her a few years down the road, while she was writing songs about real life and still carrying a huge fan base, then yes, she should be nominated as a proven performer. But not now.
Redmaz says:
D.Trotter, you don’t believe any artist wants to be tagged, labeled etc? Really? What if they label themselves? Most do. Look at their myspace pages. They all put themselves in a genre. You must not know very much about Americana Music either because the bottom line is the Americana Music fans decide what is Americana Music, and the artists decide what they are going to do. They have control over what they record, and how they record it, unlike Pop acts. Do you actually believe Americana is narrowly defined category? Suppose YOU give me a definition of “Americana Music”
As far as the concept working for Swift I agree. That’s why she’s a Pop act. She needs all the stage antics she can come up with, which is fine if you’re into that type of thing, I’m not. She needs to do something different live than what’s recorded, because she can’t recreate her studio vocals live. More power to her. That’s one reason why she won eoty on a Pop awards show. I for one can differenciate between genres and their goals.
Peacock Queen, you’re not telling me anything I don’t already know. You’re the one who supports this genre and industry, not me. I’ve made a conscience decision not to…what’s your excuse? Remember, I’m the Americana Music fan, not you. You seem to be just another Mainstreamer complaing about Pop Music.
D Trotter says:
You’re too wrapped up in genres, Redmaz. I love many of the artists you champion, but, no, I definitely don’t think most of them see themselves as some specific genre and nothing else. Neil Young experimented with just about every genre out there, so does Willie and Wilco, Ry Cooder too.
My Space? This is your case for artists wanting to be pigeon-holed? Really? I’m just a little surprised you check out artists My Space profiles? You might have more in common with Taylor Swift than I do!
Anyway, if you want a definition of Ameicana, look it up on Wilkipedia, it’s quite clear. It’s also clear you and Merle think “Pop” artists are all homogenized hit-machines controlled by their labels and “told what to do”, while Americana artists are fiercely-independent creative people who play only for the love of the music. As a loose generalization, I don’t even terribly disagree, but exceptions are plentiful on both sides. That description wasn’t true of the Beatles, it’s not true of Taylor, and on the other side, for every original Drive By Truckers there’s plenty of Drive By imitators.
Red, before anyone came up with the labels Americana and Roots Music, I used those very words to describe the kind of music that used to be made on the back porches of real working people. It would be a shame to take music that natural and adopt an elitist posture about it. Trees don’t need labels, neither does the music that sings through their branches.
bpfanatic says:
Didn’t the CMA make Entertainer of the Year a fan-voted award? I could have sworn that they started at least polling fans online and taking it into consideration when determinging Entertainer of the Year, because I remember voting online for Brad Paisley last year. If that’s true, then no one should be taking the Taylor Swift win seriously, as we all know she has her little cult following of 12-year-old girls that probably skipped school to vote for her all day long. If the country music executives don’t take fan opinions into account when picking Ent. of the Year, then I don’t know what made them pick Taylor Swift, because the little teeney-bopper doesn’t have a shred of talent OR even one ounce of “country” in her. Her opening performance was so silly and dramatic that I was embarassed for her. Such a wannabe. Regardless of whether it was fan-voted or CMA-picked, Swift’s win just discredited the entire Association and the whole country music genre.
Redmaz says:
That’s where we differ. I’m all about genres. You need a starting place. Basic music fundamentals and genre description are a must now days. Who said I check out artists myspace profiles? Nearly every Americana artist I know of has a myspace page, and when I’m researching new artists from the Americana Chart or the Roots Country/Roots Rock chart, I usually go to their myspace page to listen to their music. Who do you think gives them their genre description? myspace or the artist themselves? I already know what the definition of Americana is. I don’t need to look it up. I’ve done my research and have been aware of the alternative to Pop Music since the 70’s. I knew the difference between Olivia Newton John, Kenny Rogers and John Denver to artists like The Flying Burrito Brothers, Commander Cody, and Jerry Jeff Walker then, Just as I know the difference between Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley to artists like Miss Leslie, Dale Watson, and Doug Moreland now. I asked you to define Americana. You claim it’s a “narrowly defined category” genre, and I say it’s Roots Music based on the traditions of Country, Rock, Blues, Bluegrass, Folk, and it not only recognizes the new traditionalist, it also respects the established artist and the Legends of each genre, I think you’re the first person I’ve ever heard say it was a narrowly defined category. Most people say the opposite, that’s it a catch all genre and it’s open to everything and anything. You didn’t even know there are Americana Charts, so maybe you should do some more research. Like I said I’m all about genres now more than ever. If someone ask me if I want to listen to some “Country Music”? The fisrt thing I’m going to ask is what kind of Country Music? I know the difference between lets say Kenny Chesney and Roger Wallace. To call them both just “Country” is ridiculous. One is Pop Country, one is Roots Country plain and simple. I’m not sure where trees came into this, but if trees don’t need labels…why are the best guitars in the world made from Mahogany, Spruce, Rosewood, Maple and not Oak, Box Elder, Willow, and Poplar? Everything needs to have a starting point, and a description or you’ll run around blindly. I guess It all depends on how much a person wants to educate themselves.
solongsowrong says:
I also like genre descriptions D Trotter. Before I understood about such things, I never knew why, when I called my local radio stations to request certain artists, they would always tell me they weren’t allowed to play them. I thought since they’re Country, why wouldn’t a Country station play them? Turns out they wouldn’t play them, because they were the wrong genre for the Mainstream format I was listening to. Talk about an elitist posture! Commercialized radio seems to be the worst offender of that.
It wasn’t until I started finding more out about the rest of Country music, and what genres were played where, that I was able to track down where to find my favorite artist. Low and beyond, they not only weren’t being ignored like they had been on Pop Country radio, but they were played quite often. Doesn’t matter what the genre, I can track down music I want to hear now, just by typing in keywords…. such as Americana… to find new artists and albums to listen to, that are more pleasing to my ears than what I hear out of, made for profit only, Pop formats.
Album of the Year last year for the Grammy’s, was an album that was registered as an Americana album. Who gave it that description and why? Why do the Grammys give out 110 awards in different genres, if genre description means nothing?
Also, what’s wrong with my space profiles? It’s just one of many means artists use for getting their work heard. It’s no different than going to their official website, or any other site that is set up to get the word out on their body of work.
Last year, TBone Burnett made a comment that not everyone loves music…. but the major labels try to sell to everyone. It’s a scary thought for me, that the music the majors push, is music that is designed for the masses who mostly don’t appreciate music as much as I do. So for me, genre description is not only important, it’s vital.
Not sure trees is your best example either. Birch, Oak Maple, Ash, Cherry…. seems they have lots of labels too. Wouldn’t want to use soft pine to make a baseball bat, now would I?
D Trotter says:
Well, Red, this is where we differ. What’s weird is we differ more in how we appreciate music than the music we appreciate. I always ignored the Denver/Rogers/Newton-John crew, own just about everything by the Commander/Jerry Jeff/Burritos group. In fact, anything Gram ever did, from the International Submarine to the Byrds to Emmy Lou is like heaven to me. (Even though he’s yet another one who didn’t exactly have the smoothest vocals — which is the pint I was making when we got into this debate, you’ll recall.)
You’d consider Willie Nelson an Americana artist, right? So when he teamed up with Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis for an album, and with Wynton and Nora Jones, do you think he cared about labels?? THAT’S what I mean by limiting — real artists do what they feel, they don’t want any restrictions on creativity.
So, no, I absolutely don’t need labels to know what music I like. I just hear it, know what I like, no label required. You and solong do, apparently. So hey, go out into the woods, start slapping labels on all the trees, maybe nail a couple signs on them … I’m sure the forest will be a much more beautiful place with all those “birch” and cherry” and “spruce” labels on all the trees. Enjoy!!
Redmaz says:
You may not know this but there are no limits in Americana Music, that’s why I’m a fan of it, and YOU gave a great example with Willie and Marsalis. Their album was on the Americana chart for months. You seem to be proving my point as well as I am. I never said I need labels to know what music I like. You think I just woke up one day and decided I like ALL Americana Music? Far from it. Out of the dozens of new Americana artists I check out weekly/monthly, I may like 50% of it(if that). I want genres of music to know where to look for music I might like. For example,, I’m not going to sit through hours and hours of Opera music hoping I might find something I like. I’ve listened to enough Opera music to know I’m not a fan of it. That would be like going to a Kia dealership looking for a Cadillac, just because they both have a steering wheel and four tires, or going to McDonalds for a porterhouse steak and only being able to get a hamburger, after all….they both come from a cow.. However, I do agree with you that real artists do what they feel, they don’t want any restrictions on creativity. Finally, you just described “Americana Music” I’ve been waiting for you to do so, and you did without even knowing it. How cool is that?
D Trotter says:
Like I said, Red, we may not agree on everything — certainly not Taylor Swift I’m sure– but I like most of what you say. So for now I’m just gonna say, good post, Red! You’re an intelligent guy.
flower says:
wel i think wy. is saying this to jump start her tour next year she is always saying something to get in the public eye no matter what or who it is about!!! taylor won all of those cma’s because of the voters and well deserved!!!!! let it go people it’s over with go on, taylor is a great person,songwriter,singer,performer,co producer,actress,and a awsome entertainer!!!!!!!!!
disagrees says:
ok, I know Wynonna stated her opinion and i don’t disagree with her because of that. but the only reason Taylor Swift is ultimately popular is because of the power of teenagers. Taylor writes songs teens can relate to, and that’s what makes her popular. I personally think she is a great singer and songwriter, but it’s the teens that have made her popular.
MWolfe says:
I think Wy was being wise. Taylor is a poor vocalist. The last song she sung was so off key, no range. Taylor is a teen sensation with great lyrics and teens run the market, but this is getting fickle. Taylor will have a few more years of success, because she can’t sing to teens forever, she will never be a legend like Wy.
I’m sure TS works hard, but mostly she is marketed. Teens like stage acts, love songs. It was brilliant that Taylor connected with teens. Her stardom came that she was totally open about it all. But this is an act, not vocal talent. So no problems for video awards, ect..not vocal and she should’ve had to wait for etoy.
Letting her sing twice was shameful since she can’t sing.
Someone else deserved that spot.
Taylor would’ve never made it in the 90’s where you had to have vocal talent. She reminds me a lot of Garth. Garth sings better, but didn’t have the best voice by far, he entertained. But then he became so fake acting, songs were terrible, ect…but no doubt star
These thousand year storms like Taylor have to hit, it will be over soon. I love the seasonal showers of real talent like Patty Loveless, Allison, Martina, Wy, ect. These are legends.
In a few years Taylor will move into Hollywood, acting or entertaining in some fashion…maybe into pop, because country fans can only be insulted so many times.
Heartbroken Jen says:
ya don’t say that about taylor she is awsome and i am glad they didn’t say no
Darla Glibbery says:
People! Taylor Swift sucks!!!!!!!!! She can’t sing. She can’t sing. She can’t sing!!! Or…..she actually SHOULDN’T sing. Really. Why do all of these people keep telling her that she can sing? Why? WHy? WHY? NOw, Wynonna, man that woman can SING SING SING. Taylor Swift shouldn’t even be in the same written paragraph as Wynonna, except to be saying that she is Quitting this farce of pretending to be talented and thanking Wynonna for helping to shut her up and quit embarassing herself.