Taylor Swift's CMA Win Elicits More Responses
I really want to plead the fifth on this topic. But the comments just won't stop coming on Taylor Swift's recent CMA entertainer of the year win. So I will say nothing this time, and let some country artists do the talking via a feature in People magazine:
Faith Hill: "I think she worked her tail off the last couple [of years] and she deserves to win."
Tim McGraw: "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."
Randy Travis: "As a writer, she is a phenomenal talent. When you look at the body of work that she has written at the age when she came into this business, it's remarkable. It really is. But do I think that entertainer of the year might have been a little early? In my opinion, yes, for whatever that's worth."
Photo credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
timcun says:
She can’t sing. Case closed!!!
countryiscool says:
Agreed timcun, and at least lady Wy is not alone in her opinion.
bcr says:
I feel most of the flood of comments is because most people, including columnists, disagree with the FVOTY award because they mistakenly believe that the Top Female Vocalist award is a “who has the best voice” award which it is NOT. That award is the ONLY award given to a woman (a ‘female vocalist’) to recognize ‘outstanding achievement’ in country music over the past year. When one looks at achievements, from multi-platinum sales to sold out tours to awards, etc. it’s clear this is the award she truly deserved. The EOTY award perhaps was a year early but overall I think the CMA voters got it right. You may not like her singing or her music, but NO ONE had a better year than Taylor Swift.
barb b says:
.i agree she cant sing
Debra says:
She cant sing and she writes kiddy songs!!! She definetly didnt deserve EOTY award! Maybe as she says all my dreams have come true in country music she will go do movies or modeling!! Maybe even better shell take all her millions shes made off these tone deaf people that buy her crap and move to Dubai!!!!
barb b says:
the reason ts had a good year is
because carrie took a year off to
write !!!carrie is back
countryiscool says:
Did’ja all catch that ts is working with Hallmark Greetings cards too? Hopefully it won’t be a singing one. if she sticks to writing it may be alright. I’m sure the tweenies will love them.
che says:
I WAS APALLED THAT SHE GOT THE AWARDS SHE DID. SHE MAY BE A WRITER FOR POP SONGS, BUT NEVER COULD SHE STAND IN THE SHADOWS OF LORETTA AND TAMMY AND PASTY. GIVE ME A BREAK, WHAT HAPPENED TO NASHVILLE? HAVE THEY LOST THEIR MINDS OR IS MONEY ALL THAT MATTERS TO THEM? I’M SICK OF PEOPLE RIDING ON THE SHIRT-TAILS OF COUNTRY AND THEN SINGING POP.IT WOULD BE NICE IF SHE HAD SINGING TALENT. THE RADIO STATIONS CALL THEMSELVES COUNTRY BUT WON’T EVEN PLAY GEORGE OF MERLE- THERE’S A PROBLEM IN NASHVILL!!!!
che says:
I WAS APALLED THAT SHE GOT THE AWARDS SHE DID. SHE MAY BE A WRITER FOR POP SONGS, BUT NEVER COULD SHE STAND IN THE SHADOWS OF LORETTA AND TAMMY AND PASTY. GIVE ME A BREAK, WHAT HAPPENED TO NASHVILLE? HAVE THEY LOST THEIR MINDS OR IS MONEY ALL THAT MATTERS TO THEM? I’M SICK OF PEOPLE RIDING ON THE SHIRT-TAILS OF COUNTRY AND THEN SINGING POP.IT WOULD BE NICE IF SHE HAD SINGING TALENT. THE RADIO STATIONS CALL THEMSELVES COUNTRY BUT WON’T EVEN PLAY GEORGE OR MERLE- THERE’S A PROBLEM IN NASHVILL!!!!
Bob says:
Alison, why oh why are you rehashing everything again?
Dont you think everyone has heard more than enough on this topic?
And everyone knows Tim and Faith worship Taylor
For God’s sake, GIVE IT A REST!!
D says:
It just shows you how true county music and the awards shows have sank to an all time low
flower says:
JEALOUSY!!!!!GROW UP!!!!
Amy says:
Who cares if YOU think she can’t sing? There are millions of people who obviously think she CAN sing…hence, the 10 million albums sold worldwide. I guess Taylor should be flattered by all the hate and attention she is getting…like they say, the bigger you get, the more haters you get.
I must say though, it is really idiotic to hate on Taylor. It’s not her fault that the CMA association decided to give her all the awards over Carrie Underwood or whoever. Grow a brain people, even a 19 year old kid has more maturity than all of you put together. That is all.
jon says:
bcr…you are right. She had a wonderful year, better than anyone in any music. I dont care how good your voice is if your songs are not that good, who would listen? I think Taylor writes good songs and her voice works well with her songs. So timcun… Taylor can sing, case open!!!
K says:
Although I’m not a Taylor fan by a long shot, I think anyone who cannot admit she deserved the Entertainer award is kidding themselves. She sold out her first tour in mere seconds, and she had media spots that country artists couldn’t even dream of (SNL, Rolling Stone, CSI and others).
That being said though, she did not deserve female vocalist, and I’m glad there is an outcry over it. Just because someone is the most visible singer in the category does not mean they are the best. The award has lost its merit because of Taylor Swift and that’s sad.
I don’t doubt that Taylor is a down-to-earth, creative, hardworking artist, but that does not mean she deserves everything she was given. I think the CMA’s damaged their credibilty with their choices, and they’re going to pay for it.
I don’t know if I’m the only one who doubts Taylor has secured her place as a singer, either. She may be popular now, but she doesn’t have the voice, mature songs or fanbase that will help her in the long haul. It will be interesting to see if she can make that transition and keep her postion at the top.
Andrew says:
bcr, the official criteria for the Female Vocalist of the Year award is based on the quality of performances both live and recorded. It’s safe to say that the other four women that were nominated with her are superior in both cases.
Fearless will be #1 in 2009 says:
I just love Taylor’s voice - she can transform a story into opera. There is nothing better than the new storylines that Taylor Swift is bringing to country music, and eventually the nay sayers will realize they are in the minority when it comes to the songwriting genus that is Taylor Swift.
If you thought Taylor Swift was the best Entertainer of the Year in Country Music in 2009, just wait until 2010 - she is still getting better!
Colin says:
Only three artists released comments?? That says it all. The girl can’t sing.
Tskynyrd says:
TSwift FVOTY= $$$$$$$$$$ for CMA and CMT= You get what you pay for..!!!! She’s as much a TRUE COUNTRY singer as K.West is the new King of ROCK…
lee says:
I really want to plead the fifth on this topic. But the comments just won’t stop coming on Taylor Swift’s recent CMA entertainer of the year win.
The reason is because you won’t stop posting blogs about her.
kathy says:
Taylor Swift has brought more people to Country Music this past year than anyone has in a long time (Garth). Give credit where it’s due. She’s sold out her first tour and has been everywhere. If Taylor’s not your choice for entertainment, don’t go see her or change the channel. What she has accomplished at such a young age is undeniable.
Joe says:
Debra Have you forgotten just about every 1950-1970 song was written about teenagers and for the teenage crowd…
Songs like “sixteen candles”, “the twist”, the songs off grease, everysong from the beachboys…There are thousands from the era that deal with teenage love…..
So “Kiddie songs” is a bad choice…We were all teenagers once and sometimes it’s good to rekindle those years….
Bob says:
Amy,
Taylor has always had a large amount of “haters”, since the start of her career, because she’s not country. Hence, her amount of success elsewhere.
And if the comments have increased, its because her unfair wins have lit a fire under people.
And, how on earth does Taylor have more maturity than anyone? Because she’s not posting comments about herself? She has said PLENTY about those she doesn’t like, thankyou very much.
And, good lord, she is not the only one to have sold 10 million albums, or sold out a concert in seconds!
carrieFan says:
oh my God leave taylor alone, she works hard for her achievements. first of all i am a huge carrie fan, i dont follow taylor at all,and yes i was disapointed that carrie didnt win FVOTY, however fair is fair. she had a heck of a year in 2009 from sales to hits and touring, shes earned herself that award, is she the best vocalist in the category she was up against of course not, however even though im a carrie fan, i didnt expect her to win this year because she has not been in the public eye as much ,due to her album recording and her charity work and so forth she has been busy but not in front of the cameras…so even though i wanted carrie to win, fair is fair. martina, reba, and miranda also had an amazing year but not like taylors. bottomline, taylor CAN sing, she isnt in the “wow” factor but shes descent, what makes her great is that she writes her own lyrics, plays instruments and for a young girl to have the ability to write #1’s is awesome..she deserves to be recognized for that..as for entertainer of the year, she has been selling out tours, interviews, magazines,and SNL…yes taylor does DESERVE entertainer of the year…you dont have to like her but fair is fair…i hate when haters bash carrie and try to discredit her, so taylor fans i will not bash taylor she works hard and she has talent….heres a carrie fan on your side !!! :):):)
joss says:
i love carrie, i think she has an incredible talent. unfortunately carrie cant win’em all especially when she was not in the public eye in ‘09, which im grateful she wasnt because of that she has been in the studio creating an amazing album,”play on” is the #1 album in the country!!!theirs other things carrie has been doing that is worth talking about then an award for FVOTY…she opened her first foundation, THE C.A.T.S Foundation, she is the youngest person to be inducted in her hometown checotah,oklahoma ..she was a co-host for the 2nd time for the CMA’S and she has her own variety special come this december…the sky is the limit for carrie theirs so much she will and can accomplish for years to come…theirs plenty of awards and achievements to go around,…let it go people….carrie is a girl hard at work and i dont think carrie is sitting at home moaping about this…let it go people let it go….carrie is someone who we will hear a lot about…theirs always next year!!
D Trotter says:
Bob, could you tell us ONE single person Taylor didn’t like and had PLENTY to say about?
She’ll write a song about a bad boyfriend, she will spoof Kanje on SNL — but she wouldn’t even comment on HIM for the press. As for other artists, I would love for you to show us one example where she badmouthed someone? She simply doesn’t do it, she’s one of the most positive, respectful persons you will meet.
While you’re at it ,name ONE OTHER STAR who sold out Madison Square Garden in one minute this year? And tell us ONE OTHER STAR who sold even 5 million albums in the last year (not in this economy they aren’t!)
You made all those claims. Give us some examples.
NOT HAPPY! says:
SHE CAN’T SING!! ENOUGH SAID!!!
somethinroyal21 says:
She sucks, she cant sing for crap! ill give her credit for being able to write some but thats all i can!
starwars says:
Here’s a little song Taylor wrote thought it was fitting.
Change lyrics
Songwriters: Swift, Taylor Alison;
And it’s a sad picture, the final blow hits you
Somebody else gets what you wanted again
You know it’s all the same, another time and place
Repeating history and you?re getting sick of it
But I believe in whatever you do
And I’ll do anything to see it through
Because these things will change, can you feel it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down
It’s a revolution, the time will come for us to finally win
We’ll sing hallelujah!
We’ll sing hallelujah! Oh
So we’ve been outnumbered, raided and now cornered
It’s hard to fight when the fight ain’t fair
We’re getting stronger now from things they never found
They might be bigger but we’re faster and never scared
You can walk away and say we don’t need this
But there’s something in your eyes says we can beat this
‘Cause these things will change, can you feel it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down
It’s a revolution, the time will come for us to finally win
We’ll sing hallelujah!
We’ll sing hallelujah! Oh
Tonight we standed on our knees
To fight for what we worked for all these years
And the battle was long, it’s the fight of our lives
Will we stand up champions tonight?
It was the night things changed, can you see it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back fell down
It’s a revolution, throw your hands up, ’cause we never gave in
We’ll sing hallelujah!
We sang hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Robin says:
Kathy - Taylor has not “brought people to country music”. The people that listen to her listen to her on pop radio.
90% of the people buying her albums have other radio Disney stars on their i-pods, not Sugarland, Chesney, Paisley, Underwood or the likes. Every other act in the pop country industry is brining people to country music. Their listeners are starting to listen to OTHER country acts not the Jonas Brothers.
Robin says:
Joe - those were all pop songs without much lyrical conent. That’s why they didn’t win country awards.
Robin says:
I have no problem with her winning EOY even though other country acts did sell out those venues in mere minutes as well. Carrie won the ACM EOY for doing just the same things.
I have a problem with her winning FVOY. She can’t sing and the opening number shows she can’t sing or dance.
Robin says:
The largest number of audience views of the CMA’s came from the 9:00 - 9:30 time slot - not the opening number. In that time slot Chris Daughtry with Vince Gill sang and Carrie sang.
Katie says:
Taylor is just a kid that her label has been using to fatten their pockets. She can’t sing and she can’t entertain. The ENTERTAINER AWARD should have went to Kenny Chesney!
Robin says:
The last FOUR years have shown a large increase in the CMA’s audience. Not the last THREE years. Hmm - wonder who’s been at the CMA’s for the last FOUR years.
Willow says:
Oh geesh, can we just drop it already? I’m so sick to death with the whole thing. I don’t care for her music, so when she comes on, I tune out. She’s a bit too juvenile for me, and how in the world can one girl have been through that many relationships at 19? In any event, if ya’ll stop talking about her and clogging up the airwaves and chat blogs, perhaps it will all just go away…..and I won’t have to listen to the pitiful excuse for a singing voice any longer. My dogs sing better than this child, shame….but true. If it weren’t for great studio mixing and Daddy’s money, she wouldn’t even have a career (other than a teenage song writer) and my ears wouldn’t be bleeding every time she comes on the radio.
Enough already… Maybe if I go to bed and wake up, it will all be over….. If you want to listen to female vocal masters, listen to Carrie, Reba or Martina……the “real” live voices of country music. To me, Taylor is like nails on a chalkboard… Nice, girl, but I’m not impressed. Go listen to Temporary Home by Underwood, the live version….sheer perfection!
sadievm says:
She certainly does not have vocal talent. She definitely has a great marketing team behind her. It is that team that deserves the awards.
timcum says:
You’ll notice that neither Faith, Tim, or Randy said she was a good singer. In fact, Randy made a point in saying “As a WRITER, she is a phenomenal talent.” I would love to hear what he would say if someone asked how good a singer she is.
I didn’t think she earned EOTY but wasn’t as upset about that as I was about FVOTY. To give this award to someone who sings flat and off-key over Martina, Carrie, Reba, and Miranda was wrong. What a slap in the face to REAL talent!!!
OldGoat34 says:
The hardest part of seeing Taylor win these Major Awards is the history of these awards they went to the best of the best till this year.This was a slap in the face to all the previous winners Taylor is so not a great singer and performer as we all saw at the CMA awards.She’s a nice and very lucky girl and her songs are just High School Dreams put to music and lack substance and message.Songs the other winners wrote and/or performed that had real meaning and message.Whitney Duncan is far better than Taylor ever thought of being but she doesn’t have Taylor’s Luck.aand I’m not even a fan of Whitney’s and its even harder for me to take when Taylor is rated even near Carrie.When she not even in the ballpark talentwise.
Granna says:
The only way Taylor will still be at the top in 2010 is if the big wigs can’t find some other person to promote and run them in the ground 24/7. There will always be Taylors coming and going in the music business. I totally agree with the others that she should not have won those awards. I could live with the album award ok, but after seeing that embarrassing performance she put on at the beginning, I was ready to turn off the TV and her second one was so rehearsed and out of tune. It’s all about the money and that’s it plain and simple…cause Lord knows it’s not her talents. I think she has a good personality so maybe they could have just given her a Miss Congeniality award and been done with it!
Caroline Aquino says:
There is no denying that Taylor Swift sells lots of records and concert tickets. But I honestly wonder - is she really bringing tons of people to country music? I wonder whether many of her fans mostly listen to pop and Taylor is the sole country artist they follow/buy.
I don’t judge. The fact is, I don’t listen to much country music besides Reba McEntire. :) But before people start praising Taylor for all the new country fans she is creating, I think it would be interesting to find out how many of her fans follow any other country artists.
howdie says:
Getting FVOTY is more acceptable than EOTY. She had the best year of female artists. It’s never about who can sing best.
EOTY is such a prestigious award but it’s been all about money. Based on the records of Kenny’s wins, I see her as EOTY for next decade. Even Carrie doesn’t have a chance. however, I definitely think that the voters will realize that it’s not all about money: musicianship and arts have to play a role.
8charlotte says:
Enough said,this needs to be dropped.The cma’s have happened,so we all need to move on and stop all this rehashing.There is way too much talent out in country to be stuck on one subject.Country music is the greatest music,so we all need to enjoy.
erin says:
I was ok with her winning entertainer of the year simply because of the phenomenal show she puts on. I’ve only seen video of her tour but from the looks of it, I would say it’s entertaining.
I was a little bothered by the female vocalist win. I mean she’s an excellent songwriter, but vocally she is just not up to par with the other nominees. Martina, Carrie, Reba, and Miranda can all sing her out of house and home.
These awards are getting to be more of a popularity contest and less about the quality of the artists, and that upsets me.
Nicole says:
Why does everyone complain that Taylor isn’t country enough. If she isn’t country enough, over half of the other CMA nominees aren’t country enough for all you stuck up traditionalists. Music changes. Get over it. People should stop trying to confine artists into genres. It really limits their ability to be creative. Country isn’t just one sound. You may not like certain country artists’ take on country but that doesn’t mean you can say they are not country artists. Let them tell their story in their own way. For all you traditionalists: even George Strait doesn’t have the “original” country sound from back in the day. That doesn’t mean he makes crappy country.
Thankyou.
Bob says:
To D Trotter,
I am MORE than ready to drop this entire topic, as you can see in my first comment.
The only reason I even commented in the first place was to try to set the facts. But, you asked me to prove my claims, so I am carrying on for that reason.
Contrary to what you wrote, I NEVER said Taylor “badmouthed” another artist. I said she has said PLENTY about those she doesn’t like.
One example is Taylor has discussed plenty regarding the Joe Jonas situation, whether in song or on a talk show, and to a higher degree than Joe has. I, as well as many others, are frankly just tired of hearing about it. She even brought him up during her monolouge in SNL.
I never said that another country artist sold out Madison Square Garden in one minute. She was the only one. Kudos to her. What I said was she’s not the only one who sold out a concert in seconds. Many others have. You said you wanted an example? Kenny Chesney.
I also NEVER said that another country artist sold 5 million albums in the past 12 months. What I said was she is not the only one to have sold 10 million albums. As you requested, one example is Carrie Underwood.
Those were claims I made. As you asked, I gave examples. Okay? You might consider taking the time to reread my comment.
Now let’s do everyone a favor and DROP this nonsense.
Snookie Lanson says:
Nicole, while rightly recognizing the fact that Country isn’t just one sound, you seem to be way off base thinking most of the complainers here are Traditionalists. Far from it. Most are Pop Country fans who don’t understand that Taylor Swift’s music is being played right where it belongs. I for one agree with you completely when you say, “You may not like certain country artists’ take on country but that doesn’t mean you can say they are not country artists.”
When you start talking about genres, and limitations, though, I couldn’t agree with you less.
If anybody at all is limiting an artists ability to be creative, it’s the Pop Country music Industry, who tries very hard to ignore and exclude ALL the other genres of Country music. How many Roots artists do you see getting played on Commercial radio, or getting awards at shows like the CMA’s? Hear any good Western Swing music lately? Bluegrass, Red Dirt or Texas Country? I don’t even see anyone who charts on the True Country listings getting any recognition by the Commerialized part of Country music, do you?
Being one who listens to many forms of Country music, I personally like that there are so many different genres of Country music to choose from, and that they remain seperated. It gives me the opportunity to avoid the styles and artists I don’t like, and be able listen to the ones I do like.
Taylor Swift’s wins and music don’t bother me one bit, because I simply don’t listen to Pop Country. I listen to Americana/Roots Country. I’m thinking most of the complainers here should take the same cue, and seek out music and artists more to their liking, instead of complaining about artists who are right where they belong.
Kate says:
Notice how they all stay away from Female Vocalist of the Year, that’s the real whopper of a controversy.
D Trotter says:
Sorry, Bob, but when you toss out statements that demean the value of someone, you don’t get to just walk away and say now let’s drop it.
I HAVE read your statements.First, you claimed Taylor “has said PLENTY about those she doesn’t like”, and to prove it you go to one example — Joe Jonas!! Really?? A 19-year-old girl gets her heart broken, almost refuses to go into ANY DETAILS about it ever, other than revealing he broke up with her in a phone call, then she does a little 2-line ditty about it in a comedy monologue on SNL … and now you want to compare THAT to the kind rude trash-talking and ridicule she has been talking from all you brave, anonymous posters on here! Ridiculous. Amy is 100% correct. Taylor is a always positve towards everyone, a great role model. You? Not so much.
jek says:
In order to win entertainer of the year you need to appeal to more than one small age group and style. Country music is traditional and has an appeal for all. She has no power or tone in her voice. Each of the other nominees were more qualified for the award.
timcum says:
Fearless will be #1 in 2009 said, “I just love Taylor’s voice - she can transform a story into opera.”
Well there ya go. Opera sounds like nails down a chalkboard and Taylor’s voice sounds like nails down a chalkboard. You couldn’t have said it better.
Video goodies « The Swift Agency Blog says:
[...] truth I’m not sure I want to open that Pandora’s box here. If you want to read on it, follow this article on CMT. People are polarized either for or against, and although I want to be as objective as I can… [...]
Atomizer says:
By the way, her father owns SWIFT Trucking and Shipping…… nuf said.
sixmilecross says:
i just don’t think she deserves entertainer of the year. i’m sorry, but i am an older woman who has listened to country music and i just cannot relate to her music. she sold out tours and albums but who’s buying them? teenagers. or the parents of. i going to have to agree with george jones and say country music is going downhill. there are very few country voices out there anymore. but for her to win Entertainer of the year, i think its ludicrous. almost as bad as michael jackson winning awards after he’s dead. he hasn’t had anything new but he gonna win because of that.
Redmaz says:
To sixmilecross, you say Country Music is going downhill? You’ll have to be a little more specific. Are you referring to today’s POP COUNTRY or today’s ROOTS COUNTRY? If you are talking about today’s ROOTS COUNTRY, I’ll have to take issue with that. In what way is today’s ROOTS COUNTRY going downhill? If you are talking about today’s POP COUNTRY than say so.
garth says:
Country music is gone as far as I can see if Taylor Swift is example of “country”. Why not just start playing Miley Cyrus,Jonas Brothers and Disney radio on country stations as well.
Snookie Lanson says:
Dale Watson, Ryan Bingham, Wayne Hancock, Guy Clark, James Hand, Corb Lund, Sunny Sweeney and Patty Loveless are all examples of Country, too. If you listened to them and their new music, you wouldn’t be saying Country music is gone.
If you want to hear Country music unlike what Swift sings, you got to go where it’s being played. Pop Country stations isn’t the place.
Mark Raymond Cubbage says:
I do believe Taylor deserved the “Entertainer of the Year” award because she was the biggest selling country artist and has generated more applause and praise than any country singer this year. I believe she has a gifted songwriting ability and is a phenomenal performer. She can sing, but is not one of those powerhouse voices which the music industry is overcrowded with. She is also not technical/robotic, which I think the fans liked about her. Her voice is natural and yet talented.
There are many people who believe Carrie is the best, and she is good, but Taylor is more popular than Carrie has ever been. I can’t go anywhere without hearing her. Carrie is good though. I personally think Dolly Parton is my Entertainer of the Year every year, but you can’t argue Taylor’s success and stardom. Will she last forever and always, no–all stars have their moments, let her enjoy hers.