American Country Awards Score Solid Ratings

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Last night’s (12/5) American Country Awards drew 7.4 million viewers according to Zap2it.com, securing second place for Fox in the ratings race among the major networks.

New episodes of How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, and other hit shows led CBS to first place with 12.3 million total viewers.

For comparison, here’s how some other music awards shows fared in ratings this year. It is important to note that this is only the second year the ACAs have been presented, and therefore the show doesn’t have as much name recognition as some of the more established ceremonies.

• CMA Awards—Nov. 9, ABC, 16.3 million viewers

• ACM Awards—April 3, CBS, 12.2 million viewers

• American Music Awards—Nov. 20, ABC, 12 million viewers

• Grammy Awards—Feb. 13, CBS, 26.6 million viewers

American Country Awards: Good Music, Bad Gags

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Jason Aldean was the big winner at last night's show.

It’s certainly not uncommon for music awards shows to focus more on musical performances, which makes sense considering what they’re honoring. But the American Country Awards takes the lack of attention on the awards to a whole new level.

For its second installment on the Fox network last night (12/5), ACA producers retained the previous year’s unfortunate format of announcing a winner’s name, then quickly mentioning any other awards the artist was winning during the audience reaction.

So as best I can tell (and because the press release sez so), Jason Aldean was the evening’s big winner with six honors including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Touring Artist. But I still had to rewind my Tivo several times to figure out which additional awards he’d won as four of them were hurriedly announced after he was named Artist of the Year. Other big winners included Carrie Underwood and Thompson Square with three apiece.

Following the show, there was some discussion/confusion about who won Artist of the Year: Duo or Group. When the press release arrived after 10 PM, Lady Antebellum was revealed as the winner. I scanned my recording again to see if I’d missed it but there was no mention of the award anywhere, presumably because Lady A wasn’t present.

There was similar confusion in last year’s inaugural show when Brad Paisley’s Male Artist of the Year honor was omitted because he wasn’t in the audience. Paisley nabbed the same award again this year, though if you blinked you probably missed the announcement buried in show co-host Trace Adkins’ setup of Paisley’s video intro for Alabama.

Co-hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth

Adkins shared hosting duties with pint-size Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth and their banter elicited some groans from the digital sphere, where consumers shared their honest opinions with MusicRow via Twitter. Gags included Adkins carrying Chenoweth on his chest in a baby pouch (“I knew I’d end up carrying you on this show,” quipped Trace), wrestler Big Show choke slamming Adkins through a table, and a Rocky-style boxing spoof in the show’s opening.

“I wasn’t a big fan of Trace or Kristin,” said one MusicRow Twitter follower. “I felt they were trying too hard.”

Chenoweth’s performance of “I Didn’t,” from her country album Some Lessons Learned, got “major thumbs down” from a follower, a sentiment echoed by several others.

But there were also undoubtedly some good moments where the performers were concerned. Alabama’s medley of classic hits brought audience members to their feet, and sent the Twitterverse buzzing. When asked about favorite moments a Tweeter responded, “the unforgettable harmony of Alabama.”

Miranda Lambert’s girl group the Pistol Annies also fared well, turning in a bluesy acoustic version of “Hell On Heels” dressed in flapper dresses and fascinators. The Band Perry proved ever consistent on “All Your Life,” and made a compelling argument for Kimberly Perry’s place as one of the format’s best young vocal stylists.

As a musical showcase for our format’s artists, the American Country Awards has a big platform and that’s fantastic. As an Awards ceremony, it still has some maturing to do. As one follower put it, “The ACA awards feel like the weird cousin jumping around demanding attention.”

Maybe so, but you know what? Sometimes without warning, the weird cousin ends up being the pride and joy of the family.

Lauren Alaina Joins Aldean’s “Party”

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Lauren Alaina

Mercury Nashville/19 Recordings/Interscope artist Lauren Alaina will join Jason Aldean’s 2012 My Kinda Party Arena Tour with fellow Georgia natives Aldean and Luke Bryan. The 17-year-old singer/songwriter is supporting her critically acclaimed debut album Wildflower and current single “Georgia Peaches.”

The My Kinda Party Arena Tour kicks off Jan. 20 in Greenville, SC and continues through March 24 where it wraps in East Rutherford, NJ.

“I am so excited to be a part of the Jason Aldean tour with Luke Bryan!” beamed Lauren Alaina. “I am a huge fan of both of them. If I wasn’t a part of the line up, I would want to be in the front row! I am honored that my first major country tour will allow me to share the stage with two fellow Georgia artists. That is definitely my kind of party!”

Glen Campbell Postpones Ryman Concert

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Glen Campbell postponed last night’s (12/5) concert at the Ryman Auditorium, citing a case of laryngitis. The show has been rescheduled for Tues., Jan. 3.

Campbell has Alzheimer’s disease and is on a farewell tour. The upcoming concert will be his second of two nights at the Nashville venue. The previous show on Nov. 30 took place as planned.

Tickets for the Dec. 5 concert will be honored at the Jan. 3 date. If ticket holders are unable to attend the rescheduled date, refunds are available at the point of purchase.

Tuesday Photos (12/6/11)

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CMHoF Honors Wayne Carson

On Dec. 3, The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum honored Wayne Carson in its quarterly Poets and Prophets: Legendary Country Songwriters series. Carson discussed his life and career which includes R&B, pop and country hits such as “Always on My Mind,” “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles),” “Soul Deep” and “The Letter.” (L-R): VP Museum Programs Jay Orr, previous Poets and Prophets Jerry Foster and Dan Penn, Carson, previous Poets and Prophets John D. Loudermilk and Norro Wilson and Museum Editor Michael Gray.

Photo: John Russell

Braddock and Allen on “Kids Rock Nashville”

On Dec. 1, Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Braddock and singer/songwriter Deborah Allen joined “Kids Rock Nashville” hosts Jacie Doerschuk and Lauren “Jeep” Braddock Havey on WRFN/Radio Free Nashville.

Allen talked about her new children’s book, The Loneliest Christmas Tree, illustrated by Molly Brooks (Kix Brooks’ daughter) and performed “Rockin’ Little Christmas.”

Braddock (Jeep’s father) sang one of his favorites, “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” and his classic Tammy Wynette hit “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.”

To hear the archived program, click HERE. (L-R): Doerschuk, Braddock, Allen and Havey.

Bronfman Leaving Post as WMG Chairman

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Edgar Bronfman Jr.

Warner Music Group chairman Edgar Bronfman Jr. is stepping down from his post. He shared the news with employees yesterday (12/5), explaining that he will remain as a director.

He is expected to officially vacate the chairman seat at the end of January. A replacement will be named before then.

In August Bronfman and Stephen Cooper switched roles, which moved Bronfman to chairman, and Cooper to CEO.

This followed the May acquisition of Warner Music Group by Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries for $3.3 billion.

Messina Plans New Music, TV Appearances

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Jo Dee Messina

Jo Dee Messina will release a new single in early 2012 and is busy with TV appearances in the meantime.

She will be featured in an episode of HGTV’s Celebrity Holiday Homes airing Sunday, Dec. 18 at 8pm ET/PT. Additionally, Messina will be included in an episode of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Cameras captured the country songstress during a recent writing session with Atlanta cast member Kandi Burruss, a former member of the platinum-selling group Xscape.

Messina also continues to aid in several charitable endeavors. Earlier this year she launched the A Million Doors campaign to raise money for $2.3 million for Holy Trinity Montessori, a non-profit school in Nashville. GAC has partnered with Messina to help spread the message in a new short special titled GAC Heart of Country with Jo Dee Messina, set to begin airing in early 2012.

Off camera, Messina is scheduled to perform her annual Christmas In The Music Room show Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel.

She is expecting her second child with husband Chris Deffenbaugh early next year.

MusicRow Magazine Celebrates 30 Years With Special Issue

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MusicRow covers through the years.

MusicRow magazine is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011 with a special retrospective issue. The December 2011/January 2012 installment provides a unique look at how the industry and this revered news outlet evolved together over the past 30 years. Also included is a Rewind of 2011’s biggest stories, an awards season recap, a look at preventing disaster at outdoor concerts, and exclusive interviews with songwriter Bob DiPiero, and Nine North’s Larry Pareigis and Kevin Mason.

For three decades, MusicRow has been an advocate for Nashville’s music industry, reporting on the key players and their milestone achievements. Covering the rise of superstars from Alabama to Taylor Swift, the outlet has provided insider coverage of country music’s monumental success stories including Shania Twain’s record-breaking sales, and Garth Brooks’ landmark Central Park concert.

(L-R) Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson and Founder David Ross

Founder David M. Ross recalls, “In April 1981 this publication was born as a little one page directory. I’ll never forget how exciting it was delivering each monthly issue door-to-door up and down the Row. But most of all, when I reflect on this 30-year period, I see the smiling faces of so many genuine people who allowed me and MusicRow into their lives. They offered advice and, most importantly, trusted me to be professional. That is my most treasured memory of all. Now, on to the next thirty years.”

Publisher and owner Sherod Robertson, who purchased the company in 2010, elaborates, “MusicRow has always known its reader and defined its success by how well it serves the music industry. The next 30 years we will continue that mission while expanding MusicRow’s footprint.”

Robertson faces those next 30 years with genuine optimism. “The challenge this industry currently faces is unparalleled to anything in its history,” he says. “But I think there’s also a swelling of ambition and innovation that will determine the successful future of this industry. The talent has never been stronger and country music’s reach has never been broader. I can’t think of a place I’d rather be.”

Since its inception MusicRow Enterprises has debuted other strong industry-related products, including the extremely popular InCharge issue, song pitch sheet RowFax, and the CountryBreakout radio chart.

Copies of the 30th anniversary issue will be available at www.musicrow.com on Dec. 8. As always, paid subscribers will receive their issues by mail. Click here to learn more about the cover.

American Country Awards Winners

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Jason Aldean was the night's big winner with six total honors, including Artist of the Year.

Winners noted in in Bold Red. Check back to see list updated in real time.

Artist of the Decade
Toby Keith

Greatest Hits Award
Alabama

ARTISTS
Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum
Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton

Artist of the Year: Female
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Eric Church
Eli Young Band
Chris Young
Justin Moore
Jake Owen

Artist of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry
Scotty McCreery
Jerrod Niemann
The Pistol Annies
Thompson Square

ALBUMS
Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Kenny Chesney, “Hemingway’s Whiskey”
Brad Paisley, “This Is Country Music”
Taylor Swift, “Speak Now”
Keith Urban, “Get Closer”
Zac Brown Band, “You Get What You Give”

SINGLES
Single of the Year
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Chris Young, “Voices”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

Single of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Luke Bryan, “Someone Else Calling You Baby”
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Chris Young, “Voices”

Single of the Year: Female
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Miranda Lambert, “Heart Like Mine”
Reba, “Turn On The Radio”
Taylor Swift, “Mean”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”

Single of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Rascal Flatts, “Why Wait?”
Sugarland, “Stuck Like Glue”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”
Zac Brown Band, “Colder Weather”

Single of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Craig Campbell, “Family Man”
The Jane Dear Girls, “Wildflower”
Jerrod Neimann, “What Do You Want?”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay?”
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
Brad Paisley with Alabama, “Old Alabama”
Zac Brown Band with Jimmy Buffet, “Knee Deep”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

TOURING
Touring Headline Package of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

VIDEOS
Music Video of the Year
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want?”
Blake Shelton, “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking?”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”
Josh Turner, “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”

Music Video: Male
Jason Aldean “My Kinda Party”
Jerrod Niemann “What Do You Want?”
Blake Shelton “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking?”
Josh Turner “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”
Keith Urban “Put You In A Song”

Music Video: Female
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Reba, “Turn On The Radio”
Ashton Shepherd, “Look It Up”
Taylor Swift, “Back To December”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson “Don’t You Wanna Stay?”
The Band Perry “You Lie”
Lady Antebellum “Hello World”
Thompson Square “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson “As She’s Walking Away”

Music Video: New Artist
The Band Perry “You Lie”
Craig Campbell “Family Man”
Brett Eldredge “Raymond”
Jerrod Niemann “What Do You Want?”
Thompson Square “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”

Oertley Exits Leadership Music

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Leadership Music Executive Director Karen Oertley has exited the post. The longtime music journalist and editor joined the organization almost two years ago in January 2010.

The role includes coordination of the yearly training program, fundraising, and alumni communication efforts.

Previously, Oertley was Vice President of the Billboard Music Group, where she served as group publisher of Musician magazine and publisher and editor-in-chief of Amusement Business.

Oertley replaced previous Leadership Music Executive Director Kira Florita.

Leadership Music named a new Board of Directors in August 2011.

Calls to the Leadership Music offices were not immediately returned.