Madonna Beats Country Music, for Now
In a little burst of ratings research, I discovered that Sunday night's (April 18) Academy of Country Music Awards show did very well. Even though it was down from last year's 14.8 million viewers, the show still got 13.1 million people to tune it. That's a lot of country fans. However, Tuesday night's (April 20) episode of Glee pulled in 13.7 million viewers. It was the one that featured all kinds of Madonna music and was the first time the hit show dedicated a half-hour to just one artist. (I was one of those 13.7 million viewers until about 10 minutes in, when all the teenagers could talk about was losing their virginity. I have teenagers of my own whose virginity I'd like to keep intact.) Anyway, I think what we can learn from this ratings race is that while country music pulls a lot of viewers, so does Glee. So the natural next step would be, an entire episode devoted to a country star with a long list of hits. Who would make the best choice?
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Rugeruby says:
Since many people who watch Glee are teenagers, a logical choice would be either Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, or Sugarland. I wouldn’t suggest Taylor Swift just because she doesn’t really remind you of country music.
Kevin says:
Madonna will always beat country music.
Robin says:
hmm - Carrie, Miranda, Kellie, Martina, Reba, Brad, Sugarland, Jason Aldean, Josh Turner, many more and some roots artists might be fun too.
D Trotter says:
C’mon, everybody, there is ONE Country — artist and ONLY THAT ONE artist — who has the remotest chance of beating Madonna … and she can do it even w/o trying to match Madonna’s sexual edginess.
And given the GLEE audience demographic, AND the aforementioned artist’s rumored involvement with one of the GLEE stars, it’s a good bet ratings would just soar through the roof. I’m guessing the show’s gurus are already talking about it.
SO, who can guess the name of that artist?
trink says:
They’ve done 2 Carrie underwood songs already.
Aaron says:
Clearly you don’t remember being a teenager or don’t know your teenagers as well as you think you do…Teenagers think about sex and quite often have sex. Teenagers think about losing their virginity. Their bodies are changing. Hormones are raging. They are becoming adults. Don’t be such a prude! Turning off a television show isn’t going to prolong your teenagers virginity.
Robin says:
D - that “ONE” artist couldn’t drive up the ratings of the ACM’s (even though it was the highest ratings of the night which appearantly isn’t good enough anymore) even though she was OBVIOUSLY going to win EOTY and everyone would tune in to see it (even though she didn’t).
D Trotter says:
Robin, the ratings for the ACM’s reached their highest point of the night — by a good bit, too — during that ONE artist’s performance.
I don’t believe people thought it was obvious she would win at all — an outside chance at best. (Even Alison had a pre-ACM blog saying who the winner would surely be.)
I DO believe many of her fans are being turned off by the comments on these blogs though and are leaving –not her — but Country Music itself.
But that ONE artist’s star power is undeniable; the ratings of virtually every regular TV show on which she’s appeared have had enormous spikes. And speaking of Awards Shows, every one on the last year where she really WAS expected to win major awards — and DID — also experienced their best ratings in years.
trink says:
dt, the ratings went up because everyone wanted to see what the buzz was all about after the awful grammy performance. They were curious. Now they know for sure.
D Trotter says:
trink, on the other hand, maybe they just tuned in to watch the one person who knows how to put on a truly theatrical PERFORMANCE, as opposed to just caroling.
rosyz says:
D Trotter just give it up. You idolize Taylor so be it. Just enjoy Her success as we enjoy Carrie`s success. It does not really matter they are both popular and have different talents and huge fan base. Carrie is the best vocalist out there ; that`s why she was chosen to headline the Stadium of Fire and the Hollywood Orchestra Rose Bowl. What happened to your fav artist fans? They did not go through for her including you but then the EOTY award is not mostly fans voted altogether. We know you have been trying to convince the whole world about your fav artist that she is this and that but her songs and singing is not for everyone as Carrie songs and singing is not for you. But you are not convincing us Carrie fans so just enjoy your fav artist theatrical entertainment. But we love Carrie`s so it`s no win situation. We surely did not watch the show for her performance.We actually like to listen to a good vocals that are clear. If we want just theatrics we can go to some shows. But then I understand bec. she is your idol and you will defend her to death as we will with Carrie. Let`s just Play On and savor the success of our fav artists.
Robin says:
D Trotter - Taylor WAS expected to win. Please, to be promoting anything else is just denial in hindsight.
Karen says:
Sugarland definitely. They are in the country genre, but a lot of their songs are more pop and they’re catchy tunes to sing and dance to.
truth says:
I would suggest they do a collage of many country artists to appeal to all. I love the variety…
D Trotter says:
Robin, “denial in hindsight”?
My posts on CMT have been saying I wasn’t expecting much for Taylor from the ACM’s well BEFORE the awards. The field of nominees was strong and Taylor hadn’t really done anything new since 2008.
Alison’s post PRIOR to the awards (re: Carrie trying to break the “glass ceiling”) stated her opinion as being: “the extremely LIKELY event that Carrie Underwood wins eoty prize at the ACM Awards”.
I think people who know a little about Country Music did expect Carrie to win. And she is very deserving, an outstanding artist.
I don’t dispute that many NATIONAL reporters thought Taylor would win. Why WOULDN’T they?
Swift is:
the reigning Associated Press Entertainer of the Year;
the reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year;
the reigning American Music Awards Artist of the Year;
the reigning Billboard Music Awards (and Billboard 200) Artist of the Year;
the reigning Nashville Music Awards Artist of the Year; the Nashville Songwriters AI “Songwriter/Artist of the Year”(2 years running);
the reigning People’s Choice “Favorite Female Artist”;
and the 2009 Grammy winner for Album of the Year.
And that’s just a partial list.
But those National reporters are a lot like someone who sees a deciduous forest from a distance and doesn’t realize a few conifers grow there too. Had they bothered to look at Swift’s track record with the ACM’s, they would have seen Swift has NEVER won any kind of Artist or Entertainer Award from them, even after 4 years and 15 or 16 nominations worth of chances.
But THIS discussion started out being about which country artist would make the bet choice for a glee episode, and to deny that would be Swift is kinda the opposite problem — not seeing the forest for the trees. Yes, there are popular Country stars who have a national audience. None of them have Taylor’s ratings power.
Robin,I love ya,and I know you’re gonna disagree with me strongly, but it’s not me who is “in denial” on this one.
Candy says:
Carrie is a Bore!! Amazing vocals? Yes but she bores me to death, her performance wasn’t enough to pull in ratings at the ACM. If I want to listen to great vocals I’ll buy her cd or go to an opera. “Play On” just got released but it’s success compared to “Fearless” is shameful. Simon Fuller has tried his best to promote her on NBC yet it’s still not selling as expected to.
Congrats to her for always thanking God and breeding a new generation of HATERS aka FANS. I mean, look at her then you will know why her fans are filled with haterade.
Candy says:
Advice; You fans can do better than hating on Taylor, why don’t you all go and support Carrie? Try buying “play on” and make it the #1 country album (sales). If that happens, then we can all get along. Taylor’s fans loves Carrie and can’t wait for peace to be restored..
Ygrove says:
‘D Trotter’ your amazing me again,Taylor is alot greater in your eyes and Taylor’s than I see all over the Net.She will be remembered for getting those kind of awards with no vocal talent and the blackeye she gave the music machine for giving them.The PoP world doesn’t want her now,Lady GaGa in such a short time,took Taylor’s shine,and those little kids are starting to fall for the little Beiber kid.So where does Taylor fit in??How do I know all this??I have a GrandDaughter and she is soooo!!! over Taylor[in her own words].Best of Luck to Taylor any way.
Ygrove says:
Candy, you just don’t understand the Country VS.POP numbers thing do you?Ask Lady A,they sure do.
Robin says:
Candy - Taylor fans are clearly haters. All fan groups have’em and Taylor’s are among the worst.
D Trotter - I do disagree that she was expected to win. She wasn’t going to win or not win this award on the back of the ACM’s. She was going to win or not win this award on the back of her fans who clearly were not motivated to vote this time for some reason.
But, at least there’s logic to your thought. I just think the logic is missing the important “fan” portion that Taylor has been pushing for votes for a number of months now. Up until now, she’s been able to get them to do as asked. She was expected to get them to do as asked and get her the win.
I think what is missing here is that it wasn’t just “Carrie” or “Taylor” fans voting, but a vast majority of voters were just “country” fans and aren’t super fans of either one.
rosyz says:
Candy just give it a rest. Carrie does not remix her songs for sales. We admire her for her vocal abilities and she is being recognized for that as well. Sales mean all the tweens and teens are buying them because her songs are played in pop stations so you cant compare the songs and the sales. most of her fans are tweens and teens accdg. to reviewers of her tour. but I dont really care about that. Good for her that she has album sales and hopefully the tweens and teens dont get tired of her because I think they are getting crazy of Justin Bieber. His songs are good and also has the vocals to show. His songs are being played right now on all pop stations and even young adults listen. Taylor`s 2 last songs did not make it to the top and her fans did not get through for her at the acm. What happened? I guess the acm is not all fans voted altogether or they got distracted of lady gaga`s music and Justin Beiber. I know my dsughter has moved on from TS music. Ca rrie has been recognized of her vocal abilities who can sing better live than any artist; that`s why she was chosen to headline the Stadium of Fire and The Hollywood Orchestra Rose Bowl. Now that`s big recognition of a talent. So who says she does not get attention? She is all over right now and having fun. Her tour is one of the best tour and best production everand forever getting rave reviews. She does not need any theatrics or distractions on her performance bec. it will only take away the beauty and clarity of her voice. If you dont have the vocal chops then you have to make it up on theatrics and distractions. Her beautiful and soulful performance at acm was one of the highlights accdg. to the reviewers and so was Miranda and also the opening acts. Those two artists can really sing. Right now the buzz was Carrie`s performance of Change at Idol Gives Back. Now that`s what I call performance. You dont need distractions on that otherwise you will miss the flawlessness of her voice; for sure the best of the night. Her voice can entertain alone accdg. to reviewers and watchers. She does not need to Kelly`s cue either because she does not need it. They are both popular. Why are you jealous anyway ? Your artist is popular too but it seems like she is fading a bit. The hype has slowing down because another artists in the pop world have arrived. You idolize her so you can say whatever you want. I have nothing against her. I wish her luck. I am savouring carrie`s success right now because she is the buzz of the moment whether you like it or not. So enjoy your fav artist success as well. She is popular after all to her fans.
Candy says:
Robin- Taylor’s fans are not the worst haters, You don’t see us hating on Carrie. Taylor’s blogs always have the most hateful comments as oppose to Carrie.
Ygrove- People are not over her, people like you are still talking about her. Everybody is expecting her 3rd album, it’s even expected to sell 1mils in it’s first week. Justin is the new kid because he just released his album and that’s how it should be. I know a lot of artistes who recently released an album yet they are not making buzz. Just so you know, Taylor introduced Justin to the limelight. She knew him before he became big. He toured with her.
Candy says:
rosyz- I doubt you have recently been to Carrie’s tour. I have, and I hated the fact that she has to use theatrics because to me her voice is enough for her fans, I guess she/record label thought otherwise. Carries concert is a mimick of Taylors. Am not jealous of her, I appreciate artists even if I don’t like them. For instance, I don’t like Lady Gaga but I don’t go around posting hateful comments about her. Hype will always slow down if you don’t have any new material. This year is suppose to be for Carrie, Miranda, and Lady A because they just had a new release. It’s an honor for Taylor to be nominated on an album that was released in 2008. The only time I comment against Carrie is when her fans can’t leave Taylor alone.
Kate says:
Candy,
Carrie’s stage production has been described as ’sophisticated, polished, and high tech’. To call it a copy of Taylor’s is an insult. But I do see that TAylor has borrowed some theatrics from other artists. All the reviews for Carrie have acknowledged that the production is beautiful, like nothing they have ever seen before and enhances the over-all performance..then they clearly state that her biggest and best production remains her voice.
Taylor’s best production and most theatrical act is her head-banging which one reviewer said concerned him because it looked like she might incur whip-lash. Taylor’s show is designed to keep and very young audience entertained and I believe she does.
As for Taylor winning the ACM EOTY..yes I agree with Trotter that most critics expected TAylor to win simply because she has a larger fan base…however in retrospect they are now saying that perhaps that large fan base comprises more pop fans than country fans who probably chose to not sit through a totaly country show and vote.
But let’s not forget that there may be another factor affecting the outcome of the ACM EOTY award: the INDUSTRY also voted and since we don’t know the break down of how the two votes are calculated I have a feeling that the fan vote may count less than the industry vote…
As for the CMA awards for Taylor, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…TAylor deserved some of the awards she won. But, when the CMA jumped on her bandwagon abandoning logic, and credibility I believe it inflicted the most damage on ITSELF and Taylor when it awarded her the FVOTY.
An award neither TAylor nor the CMA dare talk about.
In conclusion, Carrie won fair and square…alleyuya!
rosyz says:
Candy I dont hate Taylor either. Good for her that she will sell millions on her first week and more power to her. I am not a fan of her songs and singing just as you are not of Carrie. SO we all have different taste of artist that we like. I love Miranda too and her and carrie are good friends. I also get defensive when they say negative things about Carrie. She is my my fav artist. I dont really care what other artists do because Carrie is the best vocalist in my book. I dont think her tour is a mimick of Taylor because they have different fans demographic. Carrie uses all the production to enhance the beauty of each songs so it adds flavor but does not take away the flawlessness of her vocals. Rave reviews are pouring in. I am going to see her soon. But talents and entertainment skills are interpreted in different ways and depends on the eye of the beholder. None of the reviewers said that it was a mimick of Taylor because they are too different in many ways. They say instead that it is the best tour and she is setting standard for all women artists. We always favor our fav artist no matter what. Carrie always pushes herself to be the best and gets better all the time. I can relate to your feelings towards Taylor because I feel the same way towards Carrie. It is going to be ongoing with fans to be competing who is the best. Sometimes I just ignored negative blogs about Carrie and just enjoy her as an artist and person. Her songs inspired us carrie fans and lots and lots of people and that is all that matters.It`s really a no win situation. But I am proud of Carrie of all her accomplishments and history breaking record for a span of 5 years only . I`m sure you feel the same way about your fav artist.
Diana says:
Someone explain to me why it’s necessary to pit Taylor and Carrie against each other? They’re nothing alike, nothing! So to compare them is senseless. Taylor’s at the top of her game. So what? Does it prove she’s more talented? Of course it doesn’t. It just proves she struck a chord with a demographic that buys more music. Does that mean Carrie’s not as talented as Taylor? Of course not. Carrie’s audience is young but far older than Taylor’s fans. They probably work for a living, have responsibilities that don’t allow them to hang out on a computer all day long and do whatever it is teens do like voting and buying music. It’s silly to get this worked up over who won what award. Taylor has many more awards in her future, I’m sure as does Carrie.
These arguments are all so stupid. Do you hear people arguing over who is better, Brad or Keith - George or Alan - Sugarland or Lady A? It’s all so juvenile.
Candy says:
Kate- It’s not an insult, Carrie has never been known as an artist who use theatrics, I don’t know why the change of mind… Yes, taylor has borrowed theatrics from other artists but she started her career as a theatrical user why Carrie didn’t. The same can be said for Christina A when she wanted to copy Britney despite the fact her voice is 10x better than Britney. You don’t wake up one morning in the middle of your career and decide to be entertaining, she should have done it when she started out. I agree with you, Taylor should never have won FVOTY, she shouldn’t even be nominated.
rosyn- Don’t get me wrong, am a fan of Carrie, I frigging went to her concert. Carrie has an amazing vocals infact one of the best vocals in the music scene. An artist can either be a great vocalist, songwriter, or an entertainer. Hardly do you see artists that have those three combination, some artists like Pink,and beyonce do. If you’ve been to Taylor’s concert, it’s hard not to notice the similarities to Carrie’s. The only difference was that her’s was more matured than taylor. I respect Carrie, I just get tired of people hating on Taylor. Miranda is also a good friend of taylor, she has said before that she respect the fact that Taylor writes her songs because she knows the effort and creativity it takes to pen down a song and give it a tune. I hate when I bring Carrie because I love her but her fans leaves me no choice.
Candy says:
P.s Am done for today (lol)…..Hopefully, never to return. You all should take care….
Kate says:
Candy
You ask why Carrie didn’t come out using theatrics (although I wouldn’t call ‘theatrics’ the word I want)from the start. Simple: it’s called GROWTH..that’s what happens when a person grows in confidence and comfort in their space…
Taylor on the other hand I’ve learned, has been grooming for this her entire life it seems: she went to acting school, and the Britney Spears camp…Carrie came right from the farm….See what I mean..
Taylor by nature seems to be more ‘theatrical, dramatic’ and Carrie learned very quickly how to be as effective as she can be in her role as ‘performer’…It’s a natural progression Candy..Most performers go through this…You think Kenny, Brad, Keith started out doing concerts like their doing them now?
I’m sure there will be even more changes for both Carrie and TAylor (perhaps not in the same way, or area) as their careers unfold…I think that’s good.
Robin says:
Diana
Yes, people argue about those people you mentioned.
Candy
Yes, Taylor’s fans are some of the worst haters out there. They’ve called Carrie many horrid names that I wouldn’t call anyway. They’ve made personal accusations against her that is horrific. Does it happen to Taylor too? Of course it does. But, I’ve seen the worst of Taylor’s fans. And, they are all over this blog spot
Mariah Carey says:
OMG… you country people are psychotic… i’m going back to listening to my Madonna CDs… a real artist.
D Trotter says:
The question of the blog was not: “Who is better– Carrie or Taylor? It was who would make the most compelling artist to be featured on “GLEE”?
And I say Taylor — even though she doesn’t have the kind of lengthy career and song catalog Alison seems to be suggesting — would drive the show’s ratings right through the roof. No other Country Artist would even come close to the viewers Swift would attract.
Not only does her presence give huge spikes to the ratings and/or gate of every TV show, movie or concert she’s been associated with, GLEE’s target audience is pretty much the same as Taylor’s primary fan demographic.
Then there’s all those pictures and dating rumors of her and one of the show’s main hunks. The buzz for the show would spread like wildfire.
Ryan says:
Agewise, she fits in perfectly w/Glee. However, the Glee cast can out sing her so that might be a bit a little awkward. But then again, it’s TV. They can make Taylor sound any way they want her to.
Frankly, I don’t see any country artist fitting in w/Glee. Taylor fits because she’s not really country. And please God…no one start a lecture on what IS country. I just might hurl.